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Mental Health

Explore FirefighterNation™’s mental health section for valuable articles focused on promoting mental well-being among firefighters. From stress management techniques to resources for coping with trauma, we provide essential guidance to support the emotional resilience of these everyday heroes. Stay informed and empowered with expert advice tailored specifically for the unique challenges faced by those in the fire service.

The Latest

For First Responders, Trauma Could Linger Long After LA County (CA) Wildfires Are Out

To help in that fight, Mike McGrew co-founded 911 At Ease International, a Santa Barbara-based charity that provides free trauma-informed counseling for police and firefighters.

Health & Wellness Leadership Mental Health

APS Radio: Exploring Alternative Mental Health Treatments

Dr. Kerry Ramella discusses evidence-based mental health treatments beyond traditional talk therapy.

Health & Wellness Mental Health Podcasts

Mental Health Monthly: Strategies for Resilience

Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle talk with Stephanie White, managing editor for Firefighter Nation, about mental health in the fire service.

Health & Wellness Mental Health Podcasts

‘Break the Stigma’: Rapid City First Responders Climb Kilimanjaro for Mental Health

Matthew Emrich and Dan Raetz are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for first responder and military members' mental health.

Mental Health News

Must View

MA Widow’s Lawsuit: City Harassment Led to Ex-Chief’s Psychotic Break, Shooting Death

A lawsuit has been filed against the City of New Bedford, alleging civil conspiracy, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Mental Health News

Winnipeg Firefighters Rack Up Record Number of Hours Lost to Mental Injuries

Winnipeg paramedics and firefighters lost thousands of work hours in 2024 due to psychological injuries, placing greater strain on those remaining on the job.

Mental Health News

More Mental Health

VT Firefighters Call for Mental Health Support Funding

A coalition that includes firefighters is urging Vermont lawmakers to fund a $160,000 peer support program to improve access to mental health services for first…

Mental Health News

Resilience: Smoke or Fire?

Firefighters must recognize the distinction between resilience and mindset training. Nick Halmasy on why it matters and how it may impact approaches to mental health.

Features Mental Health

Chicago firefighters at an apartment fire

Firefighter Mental Health: Normalizing Talk

Firefighters must change how we regard talking about mental health. Dan Degryse identifies five contributing factors to diminished mental wellness and how to address them.

Features Mental Health

Thomasville (NC) Fire Adopts Therapy Dog to Assist Firefighters

An abandoned dog that was rescued by an animal advocacy group will now be providing therapy to local fire and rescue crews in Thomasville.

Health & Wellness Leadership Mental Health

Igniting the Shift Within: Brain Optimization for High Performance

In this episode, David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Pamela Seraphine, a renowned neuroscientist and author, to dive into brain optimization for firefighters.

Mental Health Podcasts

The Resilient Responder: Travis Mills

In this episode of "The Resilient Responder," Travis Mills, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant of the 82nd Airborne, shares his inspiring journey from surviving…

Mental Health Podcasts

Suicide by Service

John Velez offers his perspective on the crisis of firefighter suicide and some actions you can take.

Features Health & Wellness Mental Health

Postvention Can Become Suicide Prevention

The goal of suicide postvention is to facilitate the healing of people impacted by the loss while preventing suicide among those at increased risk after…

Features Health & Wellness Mental Health