The following is an advisory circulating in the wildland fire community.
Fire and Aviation Management
Behavioral Health Advisory
Subject: Caring for our own: Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health
Distribution: Fire & Aviation personnel, Nationwide
Discussion: Suicide rates are increasing in this country, and while we do not have specific numbers, tragically, suicide affects our employees. Suicide does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, background or profession.
Help‐seeking is often perceived as “weakness” to be avoided at all costs. This stigma, by its very nature, promotes silence and discourages asking for help when it is needed. Reducing stigma—making it OK to not be OK, and OK to seek help—is the first step. By openly addressing the topic of mental health among our employees, we can embrace the notion that this issue is no different than any other injury or disease.
Our workplace is a critical partner in preventing suicide. We have an opportunity to give people a sense of purpose, hope and community, all of which are psychological buffers to distress. Take the time to connect with each other. Each of us has the ability to make a positive difference in someone’s life. One life lost is too many.
Risk Factors
- Sleep deprivation
- Heavy alcohol or drug use
- Witnessing traumatic event (s)
- Major physical illness or injury
- Loss of a close relationship
- Isolation or lack of social support (e.g. off‐season, retirement)
- Knowing others who have died by suicide
Warning Signs
- Sudden withdrawal from social contact
- Persistent feeling of hopelessness
- Increasingly reckless behavior
- Mood swings/ Change in behavior
- Having a suicide plan (me, place, method)
There is hope. It is important to talk about suicide. Help is available.
Get Help Now
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
800‐273‐8255
Veterans Crisis Line: Confidential support available 24/7/365 for veterans and their families and friends, regardless of enrollment in VA health care.
800‐273‐8255 and Press 1. Text message to 838255
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net (online chat available)
American Addiction Centers Firefighter & First Responders: Peer support for behavioral health and substance abuse.
888‐731‐FIRE (3473)
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/firefighters‐first‐responders/
Treatment Placement Specialists: Individualized behavioral health assistance program (BHAP) with intake specialists trained to work with first responders.
877‐540‐3935 (Or see the map on the website for the TPS in your area.)
http://www.treatmentplacementspecialists.com
What You Can Do
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Monitor and manage mental health, just as you would physical health. Do not be afraid to ask for help and seek medical treatment. Thoughts of suicide can occur in anyone. It is not their fault, but rather a need to treat a mental health issue.
TALK OPENLY AND ACTIVELY LISTEN. Peer support goes a long way to protecting mental health. Open communication is especially important for the survivors after a firefighter suicide occurs. Listen actively, let someone who is seeking your help talk at their own pace and ask them open‐ended questions.
SHOW COMPASSION: Psychological risk is an undeniable part of the job. Be patient and supportive; do not judge or stigmatize individuals experiencing a mental health challenge.
BE DIRECT. If someone seems at risk or shows warning signs, ask “Are you thinking of suicide?” and “Do you have a plan?” Recognizing a potential suicide is critical to preventing it.
BE PROACTIVE: If someone you know has a suicide plan, connect them with a higher level of care as soon as possible. If it is safe for someone to stay with them, do not leave them alone. Call 9‐1‐1 immediately.
To download a printable version of this advisory please click here:
https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/suicide-awareness-and-prevention
To download a printable version of this advisory please click here:
https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/suicide-awareness-and-prevention
You should send this to human resource specialists on IMTs.
Perhaps you can find a mailing list.
Thx