There are several duties that fall on the shoulders of first responders. These folks toil bravely in difficult and all too frequently thankless professions, from the emergency medical personnel we rely on to the legal defense team. Are the measures taken to safeguard us and them sufficient?
According to a recent study, more firemen die by suicide each year than while responding to calls for help. Thousands of police officers also commit suicide every year around the nation. One alarming trend is the growth in suicide attempts and ideas. Their jobs frequently cause them stress and psychological harm, which frequently results in their development.
In these high-stress, high-risk jobs, first responders frequently find themselves in hazardous situations that could be fatal. Their physical injuries, dangerous surroundings, traumatic events, and various other factors could be detrimental to their mental health. Poor performance has been linked to problems at work, such as long hours, physical stress, and insufficient sleep.
PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues are much more common in first responders than in the general population. Different people react differently to stress, and these reactions persist even when people are not working. Substance abuse, wrath, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and stomach issues are PTSD symptoms that can impact public safety personnel, such as police officers.
Although there are tools and therapies available, there is still stigma associated with mental health. This stigma is still there worldwide, but in certain places it is more overt. Due to these institutional and cultural limitations, treatment is usually delayed, leaving public safety officials to handle the problem alone.
Although peer support has certain benefits, professional assistance is still needed. You may get this kind of help in a number of locations. There are many free solutions available to public safety personnel, but only virtual support services. You can also contact groups established by people who are aware of the time and effort needed to protect public safety if you need help.
We can assist our heroes a lot more in the areas of healthcare and public safety. On the infographic that is linked, you can read more about how PTSD impacts public safety workers.
