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SA国际传媒

10 red flag phrases that signal first responders are struggling with stress

Learn these crucial phrases that signal emotional struggles for first responders and how to respond with empathy

First responders face intense physical and emotional demands, making it crucial to recognize signs of stress before they escalate. Often, subtle phrases can reveal underlying struggles, signaling a need for support. In this article, we explore 10 red flag phrases that may indicate a first responder is experiencing emotional distress. By identifying these warning signs early, colleagues and leaders can foster a culture of mental health awareness, ensuring those on the front lines get the help they need.

Crucial statements

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Signs of irritability or anger: 鈥淓verything annoys me lately鈥 or 鈥淚 find myself snapping at people for no reason.鈥
  9. 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
  10. 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.

Statements to 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.

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and SA国际传媒.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.