b'O P E R A T I O N SB E H A V I O R A L H E A LT HAfter exposure to a traumatic event, many people may develop signs and symptoms like those previously mentioned in the days that follow. These symptoms often dissipate and do not interfere with daily functioning. PTSD is diagnosed only if the related criteria outlined previously persist for more than a month after exposure to the traumatic incident and result in major distress or impairment in ones daily functioning. In most cases, signs of PTSD appear within three months after a traumatic event. In some instances, however, symptoms may take longer to emerge. When they do occur, they can last for weeks or even years without treatment. Additionally, this disorder can be accompanied by other psychological health issues, such as depression and memory problems, as well as drug and alcohol addictions.It is important to note that not everyone who experiencesSuicidea potentially traumatic event develops PTSD, and not everyoneBeing a fire fighter can be a rewarding job and provide a real who develops PTSD requires psychiatric treatment. Some peoplesense of purpose. However, fire fighters often face life-and-get better with the help of their support system (family, friends ordeath situations and chaotic scenes that are overwhelming to clergy). But many people with PTSD need professional treatmentothersbearing witness to tragedies that involve all walks of life. to recover from psychological distress that can be intense andFire fighters also have off-duty lives that are intermixed with their disabling. It is important to remember that trauma may lead towork. It is not uncommon for a fire fighter to deal with a horrific severe distress. That distress is not the individuals fault, andevent one day and leave for a family vacation the next. Over time, PTSD is treatable. The earlier a person gets treatment, the betterif a fire fighter doesnt have a way to process this exposure, it their chance of recovery. can build up. The weight of being exposed to traumatic events Mental health professionals use various effective (evidenced- can become too much to bear, which can lead to making poor based) methods to help people recover from PTSD. A couple ofcoping choices, such as substance abuse. Over time, fire fighters effective therapies are cognitive processing therapy (CPT) andcan develop compassion fatigue and burnout or mental health eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). Both havedisorders such as PTSD, anxiety or depression. Some fire fighters been very successful, with multiple studies showing decrease infind themselves struggling with a combination of all of these. symptoms and high remission rates over time. In addition, someIn more severe cases, some may find themselves developing medications can help reduce the intensity of symptoms, and thesepsychological conditions that lead them to consider suicide. often can assist patients as they are working through their treatmentSuicide is a traumatic event that can devastate a fire department in therapy. All therapy should be guided by licensed mental healthand leave many fire fighters wondering why they choose this professionals using an individualized treatment plan. profession.Various treatment alternatives are becoming more widelyIt is vital that fire fighters know both the risk factors and used to aid those with PTSD. These strategies complementwarning signs and have a clear understanding of what to do when traditional mental health care and can involve less conversationthey are recognized.and disclosure than psychotherapy. Some of these alternativesPeer support teams are in a unique position to bring this include acupuncture, yoga and animal-assisted therapy. education to other fire fighters and have the skills to have In addition to medication, those struggling with PTSD may findone-on-one, confidential conversations with their sisters and benefits from connecting with others with similar experiences.brothers when they recognize the warning signs. Peer support This can be achieved through participating in a support group ofmembers can help guide their fellow fire fighters to mental health fire fighters, where they are free to share their stories and feelings. professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.Suicide Risk Factors for Fire fightersIf you are thinking about suicide Frequent exposure to traumaor concerned about someone, call/text 988 Pain resulting from occupational injury(Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7) Decreased fear of death or becoming conditioned to Additional first responder hotlines: confront your own deathFIRESTRONG 24/7 Exposure to suicidesFIREFIGHTER & FAMILY CRISIS | 844.525.FIRE (3473) High incidence of mental health disorders includingCODE 4 NORTHWEST | 425.243.5092 depression, PTSD, anxiety and substance abuseSAFE CALL NOW | 206.459.30203 8'