Never forget where you started.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The highest rate is among middle-aged white men. Suicide numbers among first responders are much worse. The Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responder reports that firefighters and law enforcement officers are more likely to die by suicide than from a line-of-duty death.
Job stress is likely the largest contributing factor. Suicide is the result of mental illness, like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Police and firefighters experience near constant exposure to death and destruction. PTSD and depression rates among firefighters and police officers are nearly five times higher than the civilian population. Even when suicide doesn't happen, untreated mental illness can lead to poor physical health and impaired decision-making.
The stigma of mental illness within fire and police organizational culture can stop people from seeking help. Many national organizations have developed hotlines and programs to help people dealing with stress and depression.
Center for Firefighter Behavioral Health
Resources to help firefighters through common occupational stressors.
Share the Load Program
Taking care of your mental health is as important as managing your physical health. The NVFC’s Share the Load™ program provides access to critical resources and information to help first responders and their families manage and overcome personal and work-related problems. This includes the Fire/EMS Helpline, which offers free 24-hour assistance with issues such as stress, depression, addiction, PTSD, and more.
Fire/EMS Helpline:
1-888-731-FIRE (3473)
Firefighters and EMS personnel face many unique challenges that can have a significant impact on their behavioral health. To ensure these individuals and their families have access to the help they need, the NVFC teamed up with American Addiction Centers (AAC) to create a free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Volunteer Firefighter Alliance
1 844 550 HERO (4376)
We have set up a National Helpline that provides access to confidential support, resources and referrals any time day or night by phone for first responders and their families.
Firefighter/EMT Suicide Screening
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) recommends that if a person answers YES to at least three of these questions, it would be recommended that you contact a local Mental Health Care Professional that deals with firefighters/EMTs that suffer from suicidal ideations and depression. If you need assistance in finding a counselor in your area, contact FBHA for further information at 847-209-8208.
COPLINE
1 800 COPLINE (1 800 267 5463)
COPLINE offers a CONFIDENTIAL 24-hour hotline answered by retired law enforcement officers who have gone through a strenuous vetting and training process to become an active listener.