By FireRescue1 Staff
PHOENIX, Ariz. — A recent survey published by the University of Phoenix found that 85 percent of first responders have experienced issues related to their mental health.
The survey was sent out to 2,000 United States police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and nurses over the age of 18. The report states that among the 27 percent who have been diagnosed with depression, close to half cited workplace incidents as the contributing cause.
While 84 percent of first responders report that they have experienced a traumatic event on the job, the stigma that comes with mental health treatment holds them back from seeking help even though the resources are available.
Thirty-nine percent said there are negative repercussions for seeking mental health help at work, and 55 percent of first responders believe their supervisor will treat them differently if they bring up their mental health concerns.
Overall, half of the first responders surveyed have participated in pre-exposure mental health training, but 69 percent said mental health services are seldom or never utilized.
For more findings from the study, visit this page.