CHICO, Calif. — While disasters may end when the immediate emergency is over, the emotional and psychological effects can last much longer.
CAL FIRE is raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as June marks National PTSD Awareness Month, highlighting the lasting emotional impacts disasters can have on firefighters, first responders, survivors, families, and community members.
According to CAL FIRE, firefighters and other emergency personnel are routinely exposed to difficult and traumatic situations that can have lasting impacts on their mental health long after an incident has ended. PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, with symptoms sometimes appearing months or even years later.
To support its workforce, CAL FIRE says it maintains a dedicated Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit trained in peer support. The unit provides resources, support, and guidance to personnel when they need it most.
The agency is using PTSD Awareness Month to encourage conversations about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma surrounding seeking help, and remind people that seeking support is an important part of overall well-being.
“No one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone,” CAL FIRE said, emphasizing that help is available for those dealing with the lasting impacts of traumatic experiences.
Mental health professionals say recognizing the signs of PTSD and seeking support early can play an important role in recovery for both first responders and members of the public affected by disasters.