First responders are the unsung heroes who rush to the scene of emergencies without a second thought. They are firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel who put their lives on the line to save others. However, what we often forget is that they too bear enormous mental and emotional burden from their job.
The constant exposure to traumatic events can take a toll on even the most resilient first responder. Witnessing death, destruction, and chaos day after day can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders and other mental health issues. Moreover, they may not have adequate support systems in place to deal with these issues since it is still stigmatized in society today.
These challenges are compounded by long working hours and rotating shifts that disrupt sleep patterns leading to chronic fatigue which further exacerbates mental health problems.