So many people rely on first responders to deal with emergencies without thinking twice. Whether an EMT, firefighter, or police officer, you’ve been trained to jump into action and help others when they need it most. However, at the end of the day, first responders are people too. The things you have to see, do, and experience daily can take a toll on your mental health.
It is no surprise that depression is a common report for first responders. Unfortunately, many first responders don’t ask for help or seek treatment for depression or other medical conditions. Research has shown that 57% of first responders are worried about negative repercussions from asking for help, while 40% worry they’ll get demoted or fired. It’s time to stop the stigma of getting help just because you help others.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what causes depression in first responders. We’ll also look at how you can manage your mental health while caring for those in need.
Why Do First Responders Struggle?
From running into burning buildings to dealing with natural disasters—and disasters caused by people—first responders have to deal with their fair share of traumatic events. Over time, dealing with these things can change how your “fight or flight” response is triggered. You might even start filtering that response so you can go numb to your situation.
Unfortunately, that can only work for so long. Emotions will always demand to be felt. Often, they’ll get to you when you’re trying to relax at home or when things are quiet and you can’t seem to turn off your thoughts. You might be able to distract yourself on the job, but the effects of filtering your fight or flight response will eventually catch up to you.
What Are the Signs?
Not sure you’re dealing with depression? There are a few common symptoms to look for, including fatigue, loss of interest in your work, and feelings of guilt.
You might even start to struggle on the job, questioning your decisions, or wondering if what you’re doing is really important. Of course, there are also more common symptoms of depression to be aware of, including:
Irritability
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Loss of interest in hobbies
Thoughts of self-harm
Feelings of hopelessness
These symptoms will not only impact your professional life (and could be dangerous for the people you’re trying to help), but they can also cause problems in your personal life. If you’re withdrawing from the people and things you love or constantly struggling with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, it’s essential to seek out help as soon as possible.
The Weight of Depression on First Responders
For many first responders, depression can get worse before it gets better because of the stigma surrounding mental health. While depression is one of the most manageable mental health conditions, it rarely goes away on its own. No matter how experienced you are with helping others, it’s not always that easy to do the same for yourself.
It can be scary and overwhelming to think you’re dealing with so much that your fight or flight response isn’t working properly anymore. But, you don’t have to go through these issues alone. If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above or are worried you might be dealing with depression, feel free to contact me.
Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t do your best to care for others without first taking care of yourself. Getting the help you deserve could end up being the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself and your career. Reach out so you can learn more about how depression therapy can help you.