May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Focus on First Responders
Since 1949, the month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. The national awareness initiative aims to provide support for individuals with mental illness and to educate the public on the importance of behavioral health. And while nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are living with mental illness (NIMH), studies indicate that first responders face significantly higher rates of suicide and mental health conditions.
At the forefront of every disaster, first responders are there to ensure the safety and well-being of others. When it comes to their own well-being though, it is estimated around 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions (SAMHSA). Occupational factors like the intensity and frequency of exposure to traumatic events, long hours, and high-stakes decision making contribute heavily to these conditions.
Unfortunately, the perceived stigma around behavioral health may lead those affected to not report their symptoms. First responders may write off their occupational stressors as ‘part of the job’ and worry about the potential impact on their employment (i.e. being labeled “unfit” for duty).
If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. This National Suicide & Crisis Line connects callers to trained crisis counselors who can help. Additionally, many first responder workplaces have implemented peer support groups and/or employee assistance programs.
