In Part II of our conversation, we begin by exploring the substantial difference in suicide rates between First Responders and the general population. Research suggests that police officers may be 50% more suicidal than the average citizen and that risk is even higher for firefighters. In fact, more firefighters die by suicide than in the line of duty.  Why do we spend so much money on physically protecting our First Responders but so little on protecting their mental health?

Currently, our society has never been so aware of “essential workers.” First Responders are among that group. If we’re serious about supporting those who have served in the incredibly difficult time that is Pandemic America, then we need to address the mental health needs of this culture. We can do this by asking for better pay for those who serve, pushing for a behavioral health program within each department, and encouraging mental health practitioners to become better familiar with First Responder culture. For more on this, check out this week’s blog “Mental Health Resources for First Responders.”