4 Steps to Help a Mentally Distressed Firefighter

By Mark W. Lamplugh Jr. - Solid Landings Behavioral Health

We work day after day with our fellow firefighters and know them better than anyone else. And we all know firefighters who may be struggling with personal issues.

With 20 to 30 percent of firefighters battling addiction, PTSD, depression or other mental health issues, it's time we all look at each other and offer help.

By their nature, firefighters are quick to help just about anyone. Yet, when it comes to other firefighters with mental-health issues, we are often hesitant, even paralyzed.

The main reason we hesitate to help is that we don't understand the thing we're up against or we don't know how to help. We'll sweep the problem under the rug or put our blinders on and hope it goes away.

Unfortunately, doing nothing is the worst choice. Ignoring the problem only makes matters worse. Understanding how to help is the first step in helping each other.

Here are four steps you can take to help a firefighter who is struggling with mental-health issues.

Step 1: Recognizing the problem

This first step in fixing a problem is being able to recognize that there is one. Usually, there are early signs when someone is suffering from behavioral or mental-health issues.

Subtle clues in a person's actions could call for early intervention. Knowing what to look for is the best way to start planning to help. Look out for these telltale signs.

• Sleep disturbances.
• Dramatic fluctuations or changes in eating patterns.
• Unexplained physical symptoms.
• Difficulty managing anger.
• Compulsive or obsessive behaviors.
• Chronic tiredness or lack of energy.
• Memory problems.
• Shunning social activity.
• Lack of sex drive,
• Noticeable mood swings and erratic behavior. 

 
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