Transforming the Nation's Health

When the Helpers Need Help

Mr. Rogers famously said, “Always look for the helpers. If you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope." In times of crisis and tragedy, those helpers are often first responders. They are the heroes who run towards emergencies to help those in need. They are admired for their bravery, strength, and grit, but what happens when the helpers need help? I have been in the first responder community for over 25 years as an emergency medical responder, technical rescue technician, and now as a member of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). It is a close community, bound together by love of the profession and the desire to help others. Unfortunately, it is also a group plagued by mental illness due to the constant stress that comes with the job.

First responders include firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical responder, and public safety telecommunicators. The nature of their jobs exposes them to constant physical and psychological stress. This chronic stress places them at a much higher risk for disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. The number of first responders reporting symptoms of depression and/or anxiety is staggering and the risk of suicide in first responders is significantly higher than the general public.

Unfortunately, despite the large numbers of first responders suffering from mental illness, less than half seek treatment. Two of the main reasons they do not seek treatment are the lack of resources and the stigma that mental illness and asking for help are signs of weakness. There is an argument that even if resources are provided, first responders will still not seek treatment due to fear of repercussions and associated stigma. However, they would be more open to treatment if the resources are made available. Additionally, they are more likely to seek treatment if there is more open communication within the first responder community about the importance of mental health. If mental health resources specific to first responders are made widely available and communicated well, we can help change the narrative around the importance of mental health and make a truly positive impact on the first responder community.

Currently there are federal and state bills specific to first responders’ mental health. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 (S. 645, H.R. 472), currently in the US House of Representatives, would require the Attorney General to propose a program making treatment for PTSD and acute stress disorder available to first responders. Additionally, at the state level, the First Responders Mental Health Bill (S.B. 601) would establish a first responders benefit plan in North Carolina that includes a supplemental insurance policy to cover mental health services. I urge you to write to your state and federal representatives and ask them to help our first responders by supporting these bills.

First responders are exposed to some of the most horrific events you can imagine. We depend on them to keep us safe every day. They are the helpers we look for in many of our most scary moments. Now our helpers need help. It is our turn to show up for them the way they show up for us.