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.

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Colo. firefighters find benefits in Transcendental Meditation program
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To promote wellness, Front Range Fire Rescue recently partnered with the David Lynch Foundation to teach agency staff the stress-relieving practice
Ohio first responders restart peer support group to face recent challenges
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The Critical Incident Stress Management of Ashtabula County kicked off a training event focusing on dealing with traumatic situations
Sponsored content

‘Pop quiz, hotshot’: Is your portable radio up to the task?
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L3Harris

Here’s how L3Harris’s new model meets the new NFPA 1802 standard
Asking the big questions
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Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape
Rapid Response: Charlotte leaders detail ‘unprecedented’ construction site fire, secondary blaze response
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Fire Chief Reggie Johnson and Communications Shift Supervisor David Bradshaw address the mayday call, fill-in response, and heroic acts amid loss of life
‘Boys don’t cry’: A flawed perspective impacting generations of men
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Has the deeply rooted tradition of stifling emotional vulnerability led to the disproportionate number of suicides among men?
The role of emotional intelligence in public safety
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Understanding how to relate with others can shift the tone of an interaction, help build relationships in your community and improve the impact of your agency
Okla. fire union members reject 'media suppression' agenda item
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Norman firefighters said the proposal was an effort to silence them after news outlets published concerns about the department's lack of mental health resources
Cliques in public safety
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Bad behaviors associated with cliques may include the use of intimidation tactics, promotion of racist or sexist ideologies, or subverting the chain of command
Fitness testing for first responders
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Many agencies shy away from fitness testing for first responders, but annual tests can gauge the health and occupational readiness of your personnel
After the mayday: Just because the fire is out doesn’t mean the incident is over
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Simple ways to support firefighter behavioral health following a potentially traumatic event
5 stresses firefighters deal with that others don't know about
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There is always the chance that something will happen that we have no control over; it's those fears that keep us up at night
‘No one was tracking firefighter suicides’: Launching the FFBHA
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Jeff Dill details the early days of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance and its ongoing mission to provide support for first responders
Photos, videos: How police, fire and EMS agencies participated in First Responder Wellness Week
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First Responder Wellness Week was designed to provide resources, support and community to help public safety personnel better understand the mental and physical health risks that come with the job
The Social Support Challenge: Connect with others, even if just to vent!
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Many first responders avoid connection, but connecing with and confiding in someone who cares about us is proven to reduce stress
Maine bill would allow some first responder suicides to be classified as line-of-duty deaths
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Under the measure, public safety leaders could classify first responder suicides as LODDs, and victims' families would be eligible for a $100,000 benefit
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