55 First Responder Mental Health Resources

Kerry Nenn Dr Matthew N. Parker
Calendar icon Last Updated: 07/12/2024

Reading Time: 12 minutes

Vital First Responder Mental Health Resources

They see more trauma than most. They’re the first on the scene when tragedy happens. First responders experience intense situations, sometimes on a daily basis. These experiences can take a serious toll, making access to first responder mental health resources a vital necessity.

Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), suicidal ideation, and domestic violence are all more common among first responders when compared to the general population. For example, more than 50% of firefighters are at risk for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or alcohol use disorder.2

First Responder Mental Health Statistics 

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of offering resources that support first responder mental health.

Substance Abuse and First Responders

  • 40% of EMTs engage in high-risk use of alcohol or drugs.1
  • An estimated 10% of all firefighters abuse drugs.1
  • An estimated 29% of all firefighters abuse alcohol.1

Domestic Violence Among First Responders

  • 40% of families of police officers have experienced domestic violence, compared to 10% of the general population.3
  • Of all occupations, police officers experience the highest rate of domestic violence in their homes.3

First Responder Suicide Statistics

  • As many as 37% of fire and EMS first responders have considered suicide, which is 10x higher than the national average.7
  • Between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year.7

Barriers to First Responder Mental Health Resources 

first responders performing cprDespite the prevalence of mental health disorders among first responders, many people in these professions don’t get the help they need.

In fact, fewer than 50% of first responders who are in need of mental health services take the initiative to seek out those services.4 This isn’t because resources aren’t available; it’s due to other treatment barriers.

For example:

  • First responder culture values self-sufficiency, self-reliance, heroic roles, and saving others at risk to self.
  • First responders are often unaware of the mental health risks and long-term effects of job-related stress that are present in their careers.
  • There is a lack of knowledge about how and where to access services for first responder mental health.
  • There are practical barriers associated with time constraints due to shift work and on-call duties.
  • First responders fear negative professional consequences, loss of promotion potential, and/or pay if they get treatment.

Several steps can be taken to remove some of these barriers.

  • The first is to educate first responders and their families about mental health issues and the relationship between substance abuse and first responders. Understanding the causes, prevalence, and treatment surrounding these issues can help remove the stigma associated with mental health disorders and their treatment.
  • Second, time constraints can be lessened with more flexible, shorter shifts that allow first responders to access mental health services.
  • Third, first responders must be made aware of the many resources available that offer the support they need.

Early Signs of First Responder Mental Health Issues 

As a first responder, it’s crucial to watch for early signs of mental health problems in yourself and in your fellow first responders. Following are some of the top red flags that you or someone else is starting to suffer from mental health issues and need to seek out first responder mental health resources.

  • Irritability/anger – Do you frequently snap at friends or loved ones? Are things getting under your skin that never used to bother you? A short fuse is a sign of mental health problems.
  • Anxiety/depression/constant sadness – Is it difficult to feel joy or pleasure? Do the bad days outweigh the good days? If so, it’s time to reach out for support.
  • Reliving traumatic events – Are you experiencing sudden flashes of troubling memories? Do you replay traumatic events in your mind again and again? These are signs of PTSD, which is treatable.
  • New or increased substance use – Are you using alcohol or drugs more often? Have you started using substances that you never did previously? These are signs that you’re trying to self-medicate with substances, which can lead to negative consequences and addiction.
  • Burnout: Are you experiencing headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, nightmares, digestive problems, or poor self-care? These are symptoms of burnout, which can create problems with mental health, physical health, and substance abuse.6

Promoting a Mentally Healthy Workplace for First Responders

  • love first responders pinsOffer mental health awareness training: Providing this training equips first responders to recognize when someone needs mental health support, to respond appropriately, and to facilitate getting help for themselves or others.
  • Establish mental-health-friendly policies: These might include sick leave for mental health reasons, use of leave time for therapy appointments, more frequent breaks based on individual needs rather than a fixed schedule, and permitting food and beverages at work to mitigate the side effects of medications.
  • Provide employee assistance programs: These programs support employees’ physical and mental health. Elements of these programs can include fitness programs, incentivized yearly wellness checks, stress management training, anti-stigma campaigns, and work environments that connect with the outside world through natural light and plants.
  • Offer resiliency check-ins: These are discussions about how employees are feeling and how they are managing stress and self-care. This is also an opportunity for employees to discuss any additional support they need.
  • Create peer-support programs: Involve team members with varied backgrounds and ranks. Often, first responders are more likely to talk to one of their peers who has been through what they are experiencing.
  • Make sleep a priority: Create shift schedules that encourage employees to get ample rest. Educate employees about sleep, and complete annual screenings for sleep disorders.
  • Follow the Asher Model: This is a seven-point model to help employers in creating a healthy culture of awareness in first responder settings.5

First Responder Mental Health Counseling and Therapy Resources

  • Trauma-informed therapy: These types of treatment can be effective in helping improve or eliminate symptoms of PTSD. Methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative therapy.
  • Alternative therapies: These methods may include adventure therapy, equine therapy, yoga, art therapies, or tai chi. These therapies allow first responders to tap into their creative and physical sides to heal from their mental health issues.
  • 12-step Groups/Peer Support for First Responders: This treatment offers peer support that creates a sense of accountability and community. First responders have the opportunity to share experiences with others who have similar struggles.
  • Intensive outpatient programs: These programs offer aggressive intervention for first responder mental health as well as issues with substance abuse and first responders. IOPs allow clinicians to work with first responders daily while the responder lives at home and maintains family obligations.

List of Substance Abuse and First Responder Mental Health Resources 

Many foundations, non-profits, and professional organizations have developed support resources for the first responder community. Following are 55 of the top resources available for first responders at risk, along with those looking for ways to help them.

Non-Profit Organizations and Family Resources for First Responders

  • Bulletproof: This resource offers law enforcement professionals and their families confidential resources for mental health, addiction, and treatment.
  • For the Frontlines: A non-profit offering free counseling for first responders via text. Available 24/7. First responders can text 741741 to get help with anxiety, isolation, stress, fear, and other issues.
  • Livengrin Foundation: Nonprofit offering First Responders Addiction Treatment (FRAT), specializing in treatment and recovery services for first responders and their families.
  • National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) First Responder Helpline: This helpline is for members of the NVFC and their families. Callers can get up to five free counseling sessions as well as treatment referrals.
  • Rosecrance Florian Program: Specialized substance abuse and mental health program for first responders, provided by first responders.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA offers information on mental health and addiction services and resources.
  • Yoga For First Responders: YFFR offers yoga training and classes on stress management. The organization also trains first responders to become yoga instructors.

Support Groups and Organizations for First Responders

Crisis Lines for First Responders

  • Copline: 800-267-5463. Available 24/7 for law enforcement. Answered by retired officers who have been trained to provide support for officers and their families.
  • Crisis Text Line: First responders can text BADGE to 741741 for counseling support for mental health crises. Available 24/7.
  • Frontline Helpline: 866-676-7500. Former responders offer support to first responders and their family members who are struggling with trauma.
  • Hero’s Warm Line: 844-833-HERO. Available for first responders, their families, and their friends. Offers resources and confidential peer-support services.
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Available 24/7 for any first responders in crisis, to be connected to a counselor and find support.
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 800-985-5990. Offers help with emotional distress related to disasters. Available 24/7.

Guides and Articles for First Responders

Books About Mental Health in First Responders

Mental Health Apps for First Responders

  • Calm: Provides assistance with meditation, relaxation, and sleep, to improve emotional health.
  • Headspace: Features tools for better sleep, tension-releasing workouts, and mindfulness exercises.
  • Heroes Health Initiative: Tool for first responders to track their mental health and access mental health resources.
  • Mindfulness Coach: Offers mindfulness practices and tips for lowering stress and promoting relaxation.
  • Mindshift CBT: Provides science-based strategies for relaxation, mindfulness, and managing anxiety.
  • PTSD Coach: Offers tools for tracking PTSD symptoms, strategies for coping, and access to support.

Resources for Family Members of First Responders

Resources

  1. First Responder Mental Health and Wellness. (2021, November 15). Kaiser Permanente. https://business.kaiserpermanente.org/insights/mental-health-workplace/first-responder-support
  2. Wright, H. M., Fuessel-Hermann, D., Pazdera, M., Lee, S., Ridge, B., Kim, J. U., Konopacki, K., Hilton, L., Greensides, M., Langenecker, S. A., & Smith, A. J. (2022). Preventative care in first responder mental health: Focusing on access and utilization via stepped telehealth care. Frontiers in Health Services, 2, 848138. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2022.848138
  3. Gottlieb, M. A. (2016, July 20). What profession has the highest rate of domestic violence? Michael A. Gottlieb, P.A. https://www.browardcriminallawyer.com/blog/2016/07/what-profession-has-the-highest-rate-of-domestic-violence/
  4. Wright, H. M., Fuessel-Hermann, D., Pazdera, M., Lee, S., Ridge, B., Kim, J. U., Konopacki, K., Hilton, L., Greensides, M., Langenecker, S. A., & Smith, A. J. (2022). Preventative care in first responder mental health: Focusing on access and utilization via stepped telehealth care. Frontiers in Health Services, 2, 848138. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2022.848138
  5. Kreider, N. (2021, June 2). Creating a culture of wellness for first responders. First Responder Wellness. https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/creating-a-culture-of-wellness-is-critical-in-the-first-responder-workplace/
  6. Documenting the Traumas of First Responders. (2021, March 12). NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Frontline-Wellness/2021/Documenting-the-Traumas-of-First-Responders
  7. Luster, R. (2022, September 9). First responders and mental health: When heroes need rescuing. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/first-responders-and-mental-health-when-heroes-need-rescuing
Author
Kerry Nenn
Kerry Nenn, BSW
Expert Author, Editor
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Kerry is a full-time freelance writer and author whose work has received awards both locally and nationally. Based in the Chicago area, she holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology (BSW) from Evangel University. Kerry is a regular contributor to international newsletter publications, industry-leading consumer blogs, and Christian ministries.
Medical Reviewer
Matthew_Parker
Dr Matthew N. Parker, MD
General Practitioner Physician
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Dr. Matthew N. Parker is a native of Lubbock, Texas and now lives in deep East Texas. He was trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Conroe Family Medicine Residency in Conroe, Texas. He's spent 20 years as a practicing physician, 15 of which have been spent treating patients with substance use disorders.