It's OK Not to be OK

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.