TOPEKA (KSNT) – With September marking National Suicide Prevention Month, local firefighters and first responders are putting a spotlight on the toll the job has on mental health.
“We do see a lot more trauma in our career, which affects us. And then you know, we don’t get a lot of sleep. Or, we have taken a lot of calls in the same day and it builds up fatigue,” said Topeka Fire Department Fire Inspector Diane Hawkins.
Officials said the TFD has two mental health professionals, employee assistance programs and peer support programs — all trained to work specifically with first responders specialized in trauma experiences. Hawkins said that in her 28 years working in the fire department, she’s reportedly seen eight suicides involving firefighters in Topeka.
“It’s kind of an unspoken stigma when I came on that you walked it off to a certain extent. And over time, it’s really done a 180 where now it’s, ‘start talking while it’s a small issue’, before it becomes a big issue,” said Captain DC Sterbenz of Truck 3 for the TFD. “It’s okay not to be okay. Everybody goes through something.”
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the number of firefighters who die by suicide is estimated to be at least 100 per year.
“This is how we like to say it is. You know, you might have to call 911 or go to your doctor for a heart attack, you know, for your heart. But we also say, you know, the brain is an organ as well, and we want to keep that healthy,” Hawkins said.
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People experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or through the 988 Lifeline website. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can also be used by people who are concerned about another person.
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