TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The recent death by suicide of an off-duty Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper is sparking continued conversation about first responders and their mental health.
Being a first responder is one of the most important and difficult jobs, but the job can also take a toll on those who serve.
Andrea Hartford, a licensed professional counselor, said being a first responder is a hard job that needs to be recognized. Hartford has personal experience with the profession through her family connections.
“So I grew up with it and I married into it,” Hartford said.
Hartford’s husband is a firefighter, her father-in-law is a retired firefighter and her father is a retired member of law enforcement.
“The three of them are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met,” she said.
Hartford’s areas of expertise are depression, anxiety and trauma. She said many first responders can often be exposed to some of the most gruesome circumstances, and unlike civilians, they lack processing time.
“You do your 9-5, you come home and continue on with life, and that’s exactly what first responders do too, but there’s not that time for most of them to be able to be like wait a second, I need to process what I just saw today,” Hartford said.
Hartford said first responders are not only dealing with the stress of their jobs, but they can also be dealing with issues at home.
“You don’t know if they’re coming home to, you know, maybe they have some tumultuous relationships going on because of the stress of the job has kinda taken over and it’s causing problems at home, or maybe there’s financial stress, or maybe they’re just, they’re exhausted,” she said.
According to analysis from First Responders’ Bridge, an Ohio non-profit made up of first responders who have experienced traumatic events firsthand, clinicians, business and community leaders, and more firefighters and police officers die by suicide than all line-of-duty deaths combined.
More than a third of fire and EMS first responders have considered suicide, which is 10 times the national average.
According to First Responders’ Bridge, 37% of firefighters meet the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress and 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health issues.
Hartford said she understands that there may be stigmas attached to seeking therapy, but having an outlet and mental health support is important for first responders and their departments.
“The most important thing is that there is absolutely no shame,” she said.
“I actually think it’s the strongest thing that you can do, then you’re preserving your mental health to be able to tend to your family, tend to your job, but most importantly tend to your self, and a lot of people take care of their physical health, but that mental piece, that’s what’s going to keep us going,” Hartford said.
Mental Health Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Northwest Ohio Behavioral Health
Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support.
988 is operated 24/7, and is a free and confidential support network for Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis.
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