Mental Health

The mental health resource page features the latest news and original content focused on mental and behavioral health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and other wellness issues connected to the sometimes difficult or traumatic nature of first responder calls. Firefighters share their stories of overcoming PTSD and depression, and offer insights for how fellow members can seek help to manage those calls that “stick.” Further, firefighters and researchers offer guidance to firefighters via podcasts and expert analysis, covering topics like how to manage both on- and off-duty issues. For more information about mental health topics, sign up for the FireRescue1 Safety & Health newsletter.

Sort by:

Stranded motorist who fatally shot FF reportedly thought vampires were hunting him
–

Justin Moore's mother described her son's declining health and offered her condolences to the family of slain firefighter Jacob Tyler McClanahan
Personal maydays: How do I call a mayday OFF the fireground?
–

We need to apply our fireground mayday training to our mental health and personal stressors
Sponsored content

How using a third-party consultant to conduct your agency’s quality improvement program can deliver a more thorough, unbiased opinion of patient care performance
–

Girard and Associates

Coaching, not chastisement, is one key to improving performance
What does it really mean when someone says ‘I’m OK’? They’re probably not.
–

Telling my members, my wife and myself that I was OK worked for a while, then it all caught up with me on an incident scene
Therapy dogs: The next step in enhancing firefighter wellness programs
–

Dogs have a long history helping firefighters; now they expand their role to offer physical and mental health benefits
Are you getting the most out of your annual stress test?
–

Consider ditching the treadmill and implementing this three-step program
Excited delirium: The Long Beach integrated medical response
–

After extensive planning and training, the Long Beach IMR Pilot Program has launched to provide safe, timely and appropriate medical care to individuals in crisis
Australian study shows blood donations may decrease PFAS in firefighters' bodies
–

The firefighters who donated blood had a 10% decrease in PFAS, and those who donated plasma had a 30% reduction
‘Unrelenting’ fire seasons put mental strain on Calif. firefighters, EMS
–

To help reduce stress, Station 8 in Pittsburg has a weight room, physical and massage therapists plus mental health therapists
Distracted, impulsive: Understanding ADHD in first responders
–

While a lack of focus during the daily grind is a common feature of ADHD, many people with the condition also possess the ability to “hyperfocus” during emergencies
Despite widow's efforts, Tenn. bill fails to advance firefighter PTSD benefits
–

City and county cost projections of more than $4.68 million a year helped defeat the bill named after Cleveland firefighter James "Dustin" Samples
Overcoming the mental health stigma in public safety
–

Listen and watch as Gordon Graham underlines the importance of first responders seeking early treatment as soon as mental health symptoms appear
10 ways firefighters can support their own mental health
–

It’s a stressful job, so you need to know how to check in and take care of yourself
Man accused of stealing Detroit FD ambulance arrested
–

After the rig was uncovered, police were forced to use a fingerprint scanner to identify the man, who was determined to have a history of mental illness
Jumping to conclusions: How assumptions can impact our mental health
–

A career in public safety amplifies our natural human tendency to anticipate danger, which can be complicated when it expands beyond work
Is it time to change our response model to include a ‘Life Safety Division’?
–

Other challenges to the future of the fire service include shift schedule adjustments and rethinking our apparatus
Load More