Suicide Prevention Resource Center – National Data Shows Firefighters’ Mental, Emotional Health Not Getting Enough Attention

• “According to national data, many firefighters are struggling with mental health issues. In partnership with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), NBC stations in California and New York recently surveyed 7,000 firefighters about the mental health challenges associated with their job.” 
• See the following link. Firefighters’ Mental, Emotional Health Not Getting Enough Attention

National Center for Biotechnology Information – PTSD Symptoms and Suicide Risk in Male Firefighters

• “PTSD symptoms are positively related to suicide risk among firefighters. Recent research has demonstrated that firefighters represent a group at elevated suicide risk.” 
• See the following link. PTSD Symptoms and Suicide Risk in Male Firefighters

National Center for Biotechnology Information – Stress Among On-Duty Firefighters

• “Evidence that stress is part of firefighters’ routines, but they may not be truly aware of their stress levels; therefore, they are unlikely to ask for help. Stress in the workplace could be problematic if not managed well.”
• Please see the following link. Stress Among On-Duty Firefighters

American Psychiatric Association  – First Responders Face Mental Health Challenges

• “According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a fire department is three times more likely in any given year to experience a suicide among its staff than a line-of-duty death.”
• Please see the following link. First Responders Face Mental Health Challenges

American Psychiatric Association  – PTSD Affects As Much As 73 Percent Of Firefighters

• “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among firefighters. The American Psychiatric Association asserts that PTSD affects as much as 73 percent of firefighters and only 3.6 percent of the civilian population. Many firefighters suffer from PTSD without realizing it..”
• Please see the following link. Fire Rescue Magazine – Managing Stress

American Psychiatric Association  – Fire departments step up their mental health game

• “First responders have significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression,” said Alyssa Lanza, a clinical psychologist in Bethesda, Maryland, who is a disaster response mental health practitioner. “Substance abuse is a more socially acceptable way to cope. There’s an overall decrease of quality of life and less ability to keep doing the job.”
• Please see the following link. https://www.apa.org/members/content/firefighters-mental-health