First responders (FRs) often deal with situations that are extraordinary and traumatic. These experiences, compounded with long shifts and the need to respond to emergencies or disasters quickly, can take a toll on their mental health and wellbeing. Due to the nature of their work environment, most FRs believe mental health and wellbeing are important. However, many FRs deny or resist seeking counseling and mental health care because of the longstanding stigmatization. Still, many FRs’ organizations are doing better to battle the culture of stigmatization and discrimination.
A wide range of literature suggests that the stigma associated with mental health counseling prevents FRs from seeking mental healthcare (Royle et al., 2009; Brown, 2017). This is because many FRs fear being subjected to ridicule, prejudice, discrimination, and labeling (Royle et al., 2009). It is important to note that these issues are often perpetrated by individuals who do not have a comprehensive understanding of mental healthcare and mental illness. FRs are very critical of the stigmatization of mental healthcare. This has created a barrier between the FRs and the need for mental healthcare.
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FRs’ organizations have begun to recognize the need to instill a greater sense of urgency among FRs. FRs are in critical need of mental health care (Brown, 2017). They will continue to deny or resist seeking mental health care until we make mental health care and mental illness a safe and acceptable topic. Thus, the FRs community must eliminate this egregious stigmatization and discrimination. This can be achieved in many ways, including bringing an awareness of the normalcy of mental health. Eliminating the stigmatization within the community of FRs will help enhance the overall health and wellbeing of those serving as FRs. Most importantly, FRs and FRs organization ought to accept mental health care and mental illness as normal.
References
Brown, A. (2017). First responders and mental health . Retrieved November 24, 2020, from Psychology Today.
Royle, L., Keenan, P., & Farrell, D. (2009). Issues of stigma for first responders accessing support for post traumatic stress. International journal of emergency mental health .
