The story of a firefighters mental health journey with actionable content for those struggling. 
Resource Type: Article
Publisher: Dave Sirl
Publish Date: 9/30/24


When I first became a firefighter, I knew it was a tough job. But what I didn't realize was just how much it would take a toll on my mental health. Thirty years later, I’m still proud of the work I’ve done, but I also know firsthand the challenges many of us face, particularly when it comes to mental health. This September, during Suicide Awareness and Recovery Month, I want to share my story, in hopes that it offers some actionable and useful content for my fellow firefighters and EMS professionals.

Recognizing the Signs of Trauma

From a young age, I had two goals: go into the Army and become a firefighter, and win. I was fortunate enough to achieve both. But over time, the job I loved began to wear on me. I’ve responded to countless emergencies that most people can only imagine. The vivid memories of those calls—the sights, the sounds, even the smells—are still with me. Like many firefighters, I experienced unforgiving insomnia, nightmares, and flashbacks — all classic signs of PTSD.

In our line of work, there's an unspoken expectation to be tough, to be impenetrable. This culture of toughness often keeps us from seeking the help we need. We fear that admitting to a mental health issue could be seen as a sign of weakness. This stigma is one of the biggest obstacles preventing us from accessing the care we deserve.

My Journey to Healing

One call that I can’t forget involved a fatal sledding accident. I was there to counsel a young firefighter, Dustin Baizar, through the incident. Despite my role in supporting others, I was silently dealing with my own trauma. 

After the counseling, Dustin’s mother, Kelly Price, was determined to find the best possible care for her son. She reached out to a doctor friend who introduced her to Neuro Sympathetic Reset (NSR) treatment. This approach targets the nerves controlling the body’s fight-or-freeze response and has shown promise in resetting the nervous system, offering relief from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. 

Eight months after Dustin found relief through NSR, his mom, Kelly, put up Reset Medical and Wellness Center offering this very treatment. Dustin encouraged me to try it. I’ll admit, I was skeptical, but at that point, I was willing to try anything. The results were beyond what I expected. For the first time in years, I was able to sleep through the night without nightmares or flashbacks. The constant hyperarousal that kept me on edge finally faded. It allowed me to find peace and clarity after years of unrest.

A Message to First Responders

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the biggest obstacle to mental health care is the stigma around it. In our field, we’re seen as symbols of strength and resilience. Many of us feel that asking for help is similar to admitting defeat, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing. I’ve lived it, and I know it takes courage to admit that you need help.

Changing the culture around mental health in firefighting and the EMS won’t happen overnight, but sharing our stories is a start. By talking openly about my own experiences, I hope to encourage others to do the same. We need to create an environment where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”

Prioritize Your Mental Health

This Suicide Awareness and Recovery Month, I urge my fellow firefighters and EMS professionals to take a hard look at their mental health. Don’t wait until the stress becomes unbearable. If you’re struggling, reach out. Whether it’s through treatments like NSR, counseling, or simply talking to a peer, help is always available.

Mental health challenges are not something we have to face alone, and recovery is possible—even after years of suffering. My journey proves that finding peace and clarity is achievable, only if and when you acknowledge that you need help. We’ve dedicated our lives to saving others; it’s time we also take care of ourselves.

Detailed firefighter workout plan, benefits, and key factors.  
Resource Type: Article
Link: Go to Content
Publisher: Torokhtiy
Publish Date: 6/21/2024

By: Stan Popovich

Are you a firefighter having trouble finding places to get some assistance for your mental
health?

Nowadays, many places have waiting lists, and some places can be very expensive. This can be
very frustrating when you need help right away.

As a result, here are 7 options you can use to start the process of getting some assistance as
quickly as possible.

1. Contact your doctor: Your doctor is a great source in finding available mental health resources in your area. Explain your situation to your doctor and ask if he or she knows of anyone that can help you. Chances are your doctor will be able to give you some referrals.
2. Go to the nearest hospital: Your local hospitals can give you immediate assistance for yourmental health issues. The people who work at a hospital know of other professionals in yourarea that can provide you with additional treatment. In addition, some hospitals may offer various mental health services that are available to the public.
3. Talk to the insurance companies: Your insurance company can provide a list of mental health services and other treatment programs that are covered in your health plan. If you do not have health insurance, you could still contact some of those companies and see if they can point you in the right direction regarding your current circumstances. There could be some affordable programs in your area that you do not know about.
4. Talk to the local churches: Your local churches may know of programs in your area that you could go to in overcoming your anxieties and stresses. Many churches offer mental health and addiction programs that anyone can take advantage of. A priest or minister can also provide additional advice to your situation.
5. Find a support group: There are all kinds of mental health support groups that can help you with your issues. Go to a support group in your area and meet people who are also struggling with addiction and depression. A person can go on the internet or talk to some of the local mental health organizations to get more information about what is in their area.
6. Network with your others: Many people have dealt with fear and anxiety sometime in their life. Talk to the people that you trust to see if they have any suggestions on where you can go for some assistance. Make sure that your friends can keep things confidential and do not get into the habit of giving out too much personal information to others.
7. Contact your local mental health organizations: There are many private, public, nonprofit, and governmental organizations that specialize in various mental health services that you can talk to for some assistance. The people at these places can give you some ideas on where you can find some mental health programs and counselors that can help you right away.

Stan Popovitch is the author of A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear. More at http://www.managingfear.com