Jumpline magazine Spring 2025 - Flipbook - Page 11
Peer Support
Fred De F
Lt. Fred De Frias
as
11
On average, we lose more 昀椀re昀椀ghters to suicide than we do 昀椀ghting 昀椀res or performing
any other task on an emergency scene.
We are at considerable risk of developing
mental health conditions as a result of the
work we do. Some of the challenges that
may contribute to this vulnerability include
untreated mental health conditions, an unwillingness to come forward to discuss mental health concerns, lack of adequate coping
strategies, and the unmitigated stress of the
job. Still, there are multiple things we can do
to stay ahead of these susceptibilities that
can help us reach meaningful, rich lives.
problems, including increased blood pressure, heart disease,
weakened immune system, anxiety, and depression. The sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system response
and disrupted sleep cycles can harm many 昀椀re昀椀ghters. However, we can actively pursue several
behaviors and mindsets to help us obtain the best
possible chance to lead healthy lives post-retirement. Some of these behaviors include developThe way we cope with ing healthy sleep patterns (both on and off shift),
how we breathe (proper breathing techeveryday life will have minding
niques can help the body return to the parasympathetic response), and listening to our bodies when
a direct impact on
we are feeling stressed. This last one can be sumhow we successfully
marized with a simple quote: “If you listen to your
body when it whispers, you won't have to listen to
navigate strife. In
it when it screams.” This quote highlights the imthe fire service,
portance of being “in concert” with ourselves and
doing the work we need to do to regain that sense
we are exposed
of “balance” when feeling out of sync.
Untreated mental health conditions range
from adverse childhood experiences to
chronic life stressors experienced by individuals, that eventually lead to disruptions in everyday life. These conditions and situations,
if left untreated, generate an overwhelming
sense of hopelessness that creates a myopic
view of possible options to deal with stress.
In times like these, the peer support system
of care can be a valuable tool to help connect people to the appropriate resources.
Peer support team members are trained to
actively listen and connect people with the
most suitable resource, depending on the
presenting need. Peers are individuals with
“lived-in” experience who help create spaces facilitating problem-solving and healthy coping. A basic tenet of peer support is
“never worry alone.”
disproportionately
to more traumatic
events and scenes
than the average
person.
The stigma associated with discussing mental health conditions
is a signi昀椀cant roadblock to getting help. A cultural shift in this
mindset is essential if the goal is to get people to come forward
and explore their mental health. It is imperative that we promote
and support a culture where vulnerability is seen as a sign of
strength, rather than weakness. Creating spaces where people
feel comfortable coming forward will save lives. As such, it rests
on all of us to champion an atmosphere where people do not feel
judged or isolated but are embraced and aided.
We are privileged to do the work we do for our
community and fortunate to be part of an industry that solves problems together. Both of these
concepts are powerful in that they make the work
we do meaningful and purposeful. All 昀椀re service
members are entrusted with the responsibility of
supporting internal and collective wellness. By being present for one another and supporting conversations that allow people to explore what they
are feeling, we create hope for a brighter tomorrow and facilitate healing.
You are not alone in your struggles. There is a
community ready to support you and to have conversations
about how to manage life successfully.
MDFR Peer Support line
305-629-7337
Resiliency Foundation
Hotline
786-551-4911
The way we cope with everyday life will have a direct impact
on how we successfully navigate strife. In the 昀椀re service, we
are exposed disproportionately to more traumatic events and
scenes than the average person. We will have to contend with
the nature of the calls we run on, and the stress from our personal lives. Because of this, it is instrumental that we enact effective
coping strategies that enable us to do our jobs while balancing
our individual lives. Healthy habits such as spending time with
loved ones, exercising regularly, and discussing concerns
with a mental health professional will signi昀椀cantly improve
our ability to enjoy our careers most optimally. The more we
practice these strategies, the quicker we can put them to
use when dif昀椀culties arise. Positive coping styles and techniques set the groundwork for a healthy career.
A career characterized by unmitigated stress can lead
to a variety of physical and psychological health
Spring 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine
