There are several ways firefighters can deal with stress properly to avoid letting the rigors of the job consume them. Many people often hail first responders and firefighters as heroes, and rightfully so. They risk their lives to save others, and there are often long-term health consequences associated with this risk. The physical risks of firefighting are well known, but the mental impact can be just as devastating. One of the most common problems facing firefighters is the prevalence of chronic stress. First responder health statistics reveal that firefighters are 10% more likely to experience behavioral health problems than the general population.
How Firefighters Can Deal with Stress: The Steps They Can Take
Learn why stress may be the root of the problem and what firefighters can do to fight against it.
Take Advantage of Support Resources
One of the best ways firefighters can combat stress is by utilizing the available support resources. Too often, these resources are underused because of the stigma surrounding seeking help. Support may also be underutilized if firefighters are unaware that the resources exist. Firefighters should have access to a first responder mental health resilience program that gives all first responders access to counseling and other support services.
Seek Out Mental Health Resources
In addition to the internal resources firefighters should have access to, first responder health insurance should include coverage for mental health services. Insurance for firefighters ideally cares for all of the health implications that firefighting entails, and an effective policy must also account for the mental duress that first responders encounter. You should check your policy to see if psychiatric services or counseling is covered. In most states, an insurance policy must cover some mental health services.
Identify the Underlying Cause of Stress
If you’re a firefighter dealing with the weight of chronic stress — and its impact on your mental health — you should also take steps to identify the source of your stress. Of course, the pressures of firefighting are enough to cause anxiety, but there may be other contributing factors that you can identify, too. Perhaps your schedule strains your family, for example, or you are dealing with health issues exacerbated by your work. Identifying the sources of stress is the first step toward remedying them.
Invest in Self-Care and Relaxation
Connecting with your colleagues and using mental health resources can help you make massive strides in the fight against stress. Ultimately, though, you need to make time for yourself to relax and invest in self-care. Few jobs are more stressful than firefighting, but meditation and breathing exercises can help you decompress and relax even after a particularly stressful day. Find a self-care routine that enables you to mitigate the stress of firefighting in your daily life.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.