b'Peer support teams have been widely recognized as a successful method for improving behavioral health among fire fighters. Studies, including a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, indicate that peer support has been effective in reducing stress, increasing job satisfaction, motivating fire fighters to seek the help of mental health professionals, and guiding them to seek appropriate treatment programs for substance abuse. They provide a confidential, safe space for fire fighters to talk about their shared lived experiences without fear or judgment. The close relationships that are developed through peer support also create a sense of trust, which can lead to better communication, collaboration, problem-solving, increased help-seeking behaviors and resiliency within a department.Peer support teams, fire fighters, chaplains, fire administration staff, families and friends all play an important role in providing ongoing support for fire fighters in need. They can provide invaluable behavioral health support to fire fighters during the initial portion of their recovery process by simply being present. Through compassionate dialogue and SIGNS THAT A FIRE FIGHTER MAY BEunderstanding, they can help provide meaningful comfort and PROGRESSING TO A CRISIS INCLUDE: companionship for those who are going through a difficult Increased irritability recovery period. They also can provide practical assistance, Difficulty sleeping such as helping with responsibilities outside of work or providing Changes in appetite connections to relevant resources. Moreover, they can help create an environment that is conducive to recovery by reducing Withdrawal from friends or family any stigma associated with seeking help. Departments that Increased substance use want to learn more about how and when to provide these Changes in emotional responses types of support activities can check out Helping Members in Changes in normal behavior Recovery, a new online course from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Learn more about the course at iaff.org/Increased isolation behavioral-health.If identified early, these signs can be addressed before theyMany fire fighters feel there is a stigma associated with become more serious problems. It is important for fire fighters toseeking help for mental illness because it is perceived by some as recognize these signs so they can get the help they need beforea sign of weakness. A 2017 survey conducted by IAFF found that it becomes too late. that up to 92% of surveyed fire fighters indicate this stigma as a Many fire fighters are unable to realize they are in a behavioralreason for their unwillingness to get help.health crisis until it is too late. Fire fighters may not be aware ofFor a long time, fire departments have addressed behavioral the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, or they may behealth issues through department discipline. Disciplining someone reluctant to seek help due to the stigma associated with seekingwith a behavioral health crisis can have unintended consequences help for mental health issues. Fire fighters also may struggle withfor the person and those around them, while failing to address the limited access to local available mental health resources. Othersource of the problem. Rather than disciplining members with a fire fighters may feel they cannot take the necessary time off tobehavioral health issue, it is essential that we take decisive steps pursue mental health helpespecially if they are supporting atoward greater understanding and appropriate support for those family and juggling multiple jobs or life roles. All these factorswho are facing various kinds of behavioral health crises. We must contribute to fire fighters being unable to realize they are in acreate an environment where fire fighters feel safe, supported behavioral health crisis until it is too late.and respected to ensure that individuals with behavioral health Fire fighter peer support teams are essential for theissues are not subjected to unnecessary discipline or punishment. behavioral health of fire fighters. By providing access toCan you imagine a fire fighter being disciplined for breaking their confidential, one-on-one engagement and a safe space to talkleg while working on duty? Why then would we discipline a fire about their experiences, trained peer supporters help fire fightersfighter for substance abuse that developed while coping with identify when they need help and how to access it. unprocessed traumatic exposure?31'