You probably know that suicide is a major problem among combat veterans. This theme has been repeatedly visited in movies and television depicting disillusioned former soldiers who eventually take their lives. But what do you know about First Responders (police, firefighters, and EMS workers) and suicide? We’ve dedicated episode 23: First Responders & Suicide, Part I to this very subject.
Similarities to Veterans
Like combat soldiers, First Responders are frequently exposed to traumatic situations. Witnessing death, severe injuries, gruesome scenes, and inhumanity on a frequent basis takes a toll on our ability to see hope and positivity in the world. It also makes it more likely that when we are under severe stress, we will consider taking our own lives. With such high levels of traumatic exposure it is little wonder that depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are common among both Veterans and First Responders.
Suicide and Deaths in the Line-of-Duty
We all know that the jobs of First Responders are inherently dangerous. Even so, the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance has found that every year more firefighters die by suicide than in the line-of-duty. Similarly, research by the Ruderman Foundation has found that more police officers die by suicide than in the line-of-duty. Regardless of the rate of suicide among First Responders, we know that, unfortunately, more of them die by their own hand than as a direct consequence of their work.
Emotional Support, First Responders, and Suicide
Emotional support from others has been shown to be one of the most important factors protecting people from suicide, especially when they are depressed. Like almost everyone, First Responders get much of their emotional support from immediate family connections (spouses; significant others; children). When the family bonds for First Responders are broken, for example in a divorce, their risk of suicide may greatly increase. First Responders also typically feel a strong sense of support from their peers–fellow First Responders. However, those First Responders who feel that they have lost the support of their peers, who become isolated in some way, are likely to be at greater risk. That kind of loss may be caused when the First Responder is:
- injured or ill and cannot perform their job
- nearing the end of their career
- not liked or does not fit in with their peers
- in some sort of trouble with their department
When First Responders have good emotional support from family and/or peers, that support may at least partially mitigate the harmful effects of their exposure to trauma.
Risk Factors for Suicide among First Responders
Research on First Responders has suggested several other factors that increase their suicide risk. For example, those First Responders who:
- Abuse alcohol;
- Are clinically depressed; or
- Have PTSD
are at greater risk of suicide. This seems to be especially true if they get poor sleep. Unfortunately, long hours and rotating shift schedules mean that almost all First Responders struggle to get enough sleep.
In Closing…
First Responders are at risk for considering suicide, in part, because like combat soldiers, they are exposed to high levels of trauma. If First Responders develop PTSD or depressive symptoms, common results of traumatic exposure, their risk of suicide greatly increases. Alcohol abuse and sleep problems further exacerbate the suicide risk of First Responders. If social support is unavailable or removed from First Responders, that risk becomes far greater.