In this episode, we tackle one of the most important and often overlooked topics in the fire service: mental health.

Firefighters are trained to run toward chaos, tragedy, and trauma while the rest of the world runs away. But what happens after the call is over? What happens when the weight of those experiences begins to follow us home?

We explore the realities of stress, cumulative trauma, PTSD, depression, and substance abuse within the fire service and discuss why these challenges affect so many first responders. More importantly, we talk about the culture that has historically discouraged firefighters from speaking openly about what they’re going through, and why that culture must change.

This conversation focuses on breaking the stigma, recognizing the warning signs in ourselves and our brothers and sisters, and creating an environment where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking care of others is what we do. It is time we make taking care of each other part of what we do as well. It is time we break the stigma revolving around mental health and being weak.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out and get help. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, please call 988 and speak with a Crisis Intervention Team Officer. We are all in this together. No one fights alone.

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/crisis-services/988-lifeline