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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Situational awareness (and happiness) require focus
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What are you to doing to enhance situational awareness and reduce multitasking in a world increasingly consumed with distraction?
LA County wants Vanessa Bryant to undergo psych exam in suit over crash scene photos
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Kobe Bryant's widow says she suffered emotional distress after first responders took and shared graphic photos from the helicopter crash site
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Firefighter dies by suicide at central Pa. station
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A 25-year-old Swatara, Pa., live-in firefighter was found deceased in her bunk room, according to police
It’s like immunizing your brain: Depression, PTSD and suicide prevention
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Seven resolutions for increasing your resilience to prevent psychological and emotional trauma in emergency services
What do you do if you don’t trust your EAP to keep your situation private?
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Chief Goldfeder advises a reader who wants to use the EAP system but worries about confidentiality
Book excerpt: ‘A Firefighter Christmas Carol and Other Stories’
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Lt. Douglas Brown uses fiction and inspiration from Dickens’ classic novella to spotlight first responder PTSD
Why your department should focus on firefighter resilience
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Organizations play an important role in the health and well-being of their individual members – here are 5 ways your department can promote resilience in the ranks
Dallas Fire-Rescue launches new staffing model
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DFR is hoping to cut down on burnout, response times and overtime with single-role paramedics
Light through the darkness: Lessons from a 9/11 survivor
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Port Authority Officer Will Jimeno, who was trapped in the World Trade Center rubble, shares what he has learned from his recovery post-9/11
Capturing strength: Paramedic Kate Bergen honors the women of 9/11
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Through a series of portraits, Kate Bergen hopes to elevate the stories and recognition of the women who answered the call on that September day
Union: Fla. fire, EMS workers 'getting destroyed mentally and physically' by excessive overtime
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In the past year, Polk County first responders have been asked to pick up 4,495 mandatory OT shifts, totaling 89,434 hours
‘After the plane crash, just about every day was Flight 93 in one form or another’
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Shanksville Chief Terry Shaffer reflects on how his family is inextricably linked to the tragedy – and how they continue to honor the victims and the community
Why do some agencies ignore PTSD issues within the ranks?
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It's a serious issue, so why are so many fire service leaders looking the other way?
Mental health response teams: It’s time to add them to our growing list of responsibilities
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Police reform prompts further discussion of how fire and EMS should handle behavioral health crises
Ga. peer counseling program expands to help first responders deal with trauma
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The Georgia Office of Public Safety Support was created after legislation supporting the effort to formalize peer counseling for first responders passed in 2018
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