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John Rose of Oak Bluffs: Mental Health Stigma in the Fire Service

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 John Rose from Oak Bluffs talks about mental health stigma in the fire service and shares ways to reduce mental health stigma.

John Rose of Oak Bluffs: Firefighters and the Mental Health Stigma

Around the world, mental health issues are being recognized and addressed. In the fire service, great strides have been made regarding behavioral and mental health awareness. Government officials are expressing a greater sense of urgency for mental health services dedicated to the first responder community. They are slowly breaking down barriers to treatment.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often reported in the fire service. Improving mental health awareness means understanding the pressing need for PTSD care, as well as treatment for anxiety and depression.

Firefighters must be encouraged to seek professional help at the first sign of a mental health problem. Untreated mental health problems often worsen over time, notes John Rose of Oak Bluffs. Early intervention can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms. Quick action is important for complex disorders such as PTSD.

Mental Health Stigma

Mental health providers face several challenges when treating firefighters, says John Rose of Oak Bluffs. One of the primary challenges is the stigma associated with firefighters seeking professional help. Many firefighters do not trust mental health providers. Mental health professionals can earn trust through knowledge. Professionals who understand the firefighter culture can reach out to firefighters and make them feel more comfortable.

At the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, the medical workers are experienced in treating firefighters and other emergency medical personnel. Their mission is to provide treatment for PTSD and other mental and behavioral health disorders. These providers help IAFF members return to their jobs, notes John Rose of Oak Bluffs.

Substance Abuse and PTSD

Firefighters sometimes use alcohol and drugs to deal with PTSD symptoms, which can be a barrier to treatment. Firefighters may turn to alcohol and drugs instead of talking to family members and professionals. They may feel that they should deal with their pain privately. Unfortunately, in the long run, substance abuse makes PTSD symptoms a lot worse.

Individuals who struggle with substance abuse have been found to be six times more likely to attempt suicide. Fortunately, discussions about mental health are becoming more acceptable in the fire service, notes John Rose of Oak Bluffs. Mental health is now being treated with similar respect as physical health.

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How to reduce mental health stigma

The fire service has developed several mental health support resources, according to John Rose of Oak Bluffs. Peer support training, mental health training, and other programs are now available to firefighters. The community can continue to reduce mental health stigma in a lot of ways. Here are some more tips that can help firefighters:

• Learn facts about common behavioral and mental health issues that impact the fire service
• Show empathy to others
• Avoid stereotyping crew members who have a behavioral health disorder
• Explore peer support resources in your department or community
• Be involved in the community
• Embrace and encourage others who choose to seek treatment
• Encourage people who are struggling to seek professional help
• Avoid unhelpful comparisons among fellow firefighters
• Educate the community about behavioral and mental health.

The fire service can lead other public safety occupations by promoting mental health as an important component of overall health, John Rose of Oak Bluffs points out.

John Rose serves as the Chief of the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, with certifications including Fire Prevention Officer and Fire Officer 1. Learn more about PTSD and the mental health of firefighters and EMT training and certifications by following this John Rose Oak Bluffs page.

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