By Bill Carey
Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics often face high-stress situations that can have a significant impact on their mental health. It is important to recognize the signs of a fellow member in crisis and offer support. Here are some phrases a first responder struggling with stress might say, reflecting the various aspects of their experience:
- Feeling overwhelmed: 鈥淚 can鈥檛 catch my breath鈥� or 鈥淚t feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.鈥�
- Feeling inadequate: 鈥淣o matter what I do, it鈥檚 never enough鈥� or 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 always falling short.鈥�
- Signs of emotional exhaustion or compassion fatigue: 鈥淚鈥檓 just so tired all the time, and it鈥檚 not just physical鈥� or 鈥淚 feel drained, like I have nothing left to give.鈥�
- Indications of anxiety or hypervigilance: 鈥淚 can鈥檛 stop thinking about the calls鈥� or 鈥淚鈥檓 always on edge, waiting for the next disaster.鈥�
- Feelings of isolation or being disconnected: 鈥淣obody understands what I go through鈥� or 鈥淚 feel so alone, even in a crowded room.鈥�
- Expressions of cynicism or disassociation: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 the point? Nothing really changes鈥� or 鈥淚 just don鈥檛 care anymore.鈥�
- Signs of avoidance or withdrawal: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to talk about work鈥� or 鈥淚 just want to be left alone.鈥�
- Signs of irritability or anger: 鈥淓verything annoys me lately鈥� or 鈥淚 find myself snapping at people for no reason.鈥�
- Feelings of sadness or despair: 鈥淚 feel overwhelmed by sadness鈥� or 鈥淚 don鈥檛 see any light at the end of the tunnel.鈥�
- Indications of guilt: 鈥淚 should have done more鈥� or 鈥淚 can鈥檛 get over the things I鈥檝e seen or done.鈥�
These phrases indicate a need for support and may signal that a first responder is experiencing stress, burnout, or potentially more serious mental health issues like PTSD.
It is important to know that when responding to a coworker who has used one or several of the phrases, you need to be empathetic and non-judgmental.
Approach your coworker in a private and comfortable setting, when they are not on duty. This ensures they can speak openly without fear of judgment.
Let your coworker know that you care about their well-being and that you are there to listen. Avoid making assumptions or judgments about their situation.
Some common phrases that can show you care:
- 鈥淚鈥檓 here for you.鈥�
- 鈥淚 care about you.鈥�
- 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not alone.鈥�
- 鈥淚t鈥檚 OK to feel this way.鈥�
- 鈥淚t鈥檚 OK to ask for help.鈥�
And this question is key: 鈥淲hat can I do to help?鈥�
It鈥檚 OK to not have all the answers 鈥� it鈥檚 even OK to say 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what to say, but I鈥檓 here for you鈥� 鈥� but being there as a source of support can make a significant difference.
