First Responder
Suicide Prevention Program
in Orange County

Since stigma surrounding mental health issues is especially strong in the emergency response specialist community, the focus on first responder suicide prevention is integral to saving lives.

Call 949-919-7879
Depressed woman standing by the window and looking outside

Table of contents

  1. We’re Here to Support First Responders
  2. Rates of Suicide Among First Responders
  3. What Causes Suicide Among First Responders
  4. Signs of Suicide Risk
  5. How Treatment Can Prevent First Responder Suicide
  6. Working On First Responder Suicide Prevention
Command Post Wellness Supports Your Emotional Well-Being. Contact us today!
We’re Always Standing By
Call 949-919-7879
We’re Always Standing By

We’re Here to Support First Responders

First responders face stressful situations, burnout, and traumatic events more often than the general population. That's one of the key reasons why these heroes are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts.

By addressing mental health conditions with the right therapy, it's possible to prevent suicidal behavior and help first responders get their lives back on track.

Rates of Suicide Among First Responders

The reasons behind high suicide rates are mental health conditions that first responders develop on the job. While the government is working on preventive measures and access to mental health treatment for these nation's heroes, the quality of the available treatment still has room for improvement.

Women are more likely than men to develop depression. However, anyone can become a victim of this condition, especially when they face continuous stress at home or work.

According to CDC, deaths by suicide among first responders are underreported. The real numbers could be much higher.
First responders are more likely to commit suicide than the general population. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts among first responders is a frightening 28%. Among police officers, 25% of females and 23% of males have suicidal thoughts.
A review of several studies that looked at police officers revealed that the rate of suicide attempts ranges from 0.7% to 55%. Officers who face burnout are 117% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than on the job. Meanwhile, EMS providers are 1.39 more likely to face death by suicide than the general population.
With 80% of responders experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lives, these community heroes are highly vulnerable to mental health issues. Meanwhile, the significant pressure they are under contributes to the extent of the problem development.
Seven out of ten first responders say they don't have enough time to recover between traumatic events. Around 7% of them develop clinical depression and 37% consider suicide (that's 10 times higher than the national average).
First responders are more vulnerable to mental health issues than the rest of the population. Around 30% of them develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and PTSI. Between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year.
Besides post-traumatic stress injury and burnout, many first responders face compassion fatigue that also contributes to mental health issues. Meanwhile, the stigma associated with mental health problems makes it harder to get professional assistance.
Mental health issues that first responders try to ignore often lead to serious consequences, including:
  • Substance abuse
  • Issues at work
  • Problems with social relationships
  • Behavioral problems
  • Physical health issues
upset depressed man sitting at home

What Causes Suicide Among First Responders

By being the first line of contact in emergencies, first responders face stress at work almost daily. 
This stress can lead to the development of a variety of mental health issues, includes:

Depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI)
Substance abuse
Many emergency response specialists work long hours, don't get enough sleep, and face the physical strain. Combined with emotional stress, these factors contribute to the development of mental health issues. A first responder who is under continuous stress simply doesn't have time to recover between traumatic events.

Since the world views first responders as heroes, it can be especially hard for these people to admit to having a mental health condition. That's why they often keep it hidden and wait for the symptoms to go away.

Unfortunately, continuous stress makes the majority of mental health conditions worse. It's extremely rare for these problems to go away on their own. Without treatment, symptoms become more intense. One of them is suicidal thoughts.

Signs of Suicide Risk

Before a first responder develops suicidal thoughts and behavior, they can exhibit symptoms of mental health conditions.

Signs of suicide risk may include:

Feeling sad, lonely, upset, and tired
Confused thoughts
Reduced ability to concentrate
Problems executing standard work responsibilities
Excessive worry, fear, and panic attacks
Extreme sense of guilt
Social withdrawal
Not participating in activities that used to bring joy
Mood swings
Serious fatigue and sleep problems
Detachment from reality
Substance abuse
Changes in eating habits
Low libido
Excessive anger

First Responders, Find Peace of Mind:

Command Post Wellness Supports Your Emotional Well-Being. Contact us today!
Call 949-919-7879

If a mental health illness progresses, it can lead to suicidal behavior. Serious symptoms that can't be ignored include:

Talking about suicide (e.g., "I wish I was dead)
Buying or preparing tools for suicide (guns or pills)
Minimizing or eliminating social contact
Demonstrating intense emotions and mood swings
Constantly thinking and talking about death and violence
Substance or alcohol abuse
Engaging in destructive or risky behavior
Saying goodbye to people and/or giving away belongings for no reason

To decrease the risk of suicidal behavior, first responders need to address their mental health conditions. The earlier a person starts working with a therapist, the more likely they are to prevent serious consequences.
The majority of mental health issues that first responders face are highly treatable. The hardest part is to admit the problem and seek professional assistance.


How Treatment Can Prevent First Responder Suicide

Addressing mental health issues on time can help reduce first responder suicide rates. There are programs designed for crisis intervention and managing mental and behavioral health.

First responders can take advantage of a variety of programs including:

Inpatient Treatment
Outpatient Treatment
Group Therapy
Inpatient programs involve living in a comfortable treatment facility and following an individual course of treatment. For many first responders, inpatient treatment is a preferable option since they can take time off work and focus on their well-being.
If they choose a mental health facility that focuses solely on treating emergency response specialists, patients can count on specific tactics aimed at helping first responders recover faster.
First responders who don't have an opportunity to choose inpatient treatment can benefit from outpatient care. It involves visiting the mental health treatment center regularly to participate in therapy sessions.
While outpatient programs don't allow first responders to rest in a healing environment, they are often the next best thing to inpatient treatment.
Stress, burnout, and related mental health conditions often make first responders feel lonely. Since it's not common for colleagues to discuss these problems at work, it may seem that a first responder is the only one dealing with the problem.

Group therapy brings first responders with similar issues together. Under a therapist's supervision, these people discuss their problems and emotions. This type of supportive and confidential therapy is highly effective for faster recovery. Meanwhile, it's great for creating social connections.
Our outpatient program can be used as step-down care after completing residential treatment or as a stand-alone treatment option. Outpatient is our lowest level of care, but regardless we will always be 100% committed to your recovery.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs involve living in a comfortable treatment facility and following an individual course of treatment. For many first responders, inpatient treatment is a preferable option since they can take time off work and focus on their well-being.
If they choose a mental health facility that focuses solely on treating emergency response specialists, patients can count on specific tactics aimed at helping first responders recover faster.
Outpatient Treatment
First responders who don't have an opportunity to choose inpatient treatment can benefit from outpatient care. It involves visiting the mental health treatment center regularly to participate in therapy sessions.
While outpatient programs don't allow first responders to rest in a healing environment, they are often the next best thing to inpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program ( IOP)
At Command Post Wellness, our intensive outpatient programs are geared toward introducing patients to other first responders going through the same challenges. We want to facilitate recovery on both an individual and community level.
Group Therapy
Stress, burnout, and related mental health conditions often make first responders feel lonely. Since it's not common for colleagues to discuss these problems at work, it may seem that a first responder is the only one dealing with the problem.
Group therapy brings first responders with similar issues together. Under a therapist's supervision, these people discuss their problems and emotions. This type of supportive and confidential therapy is highly effective for faster recovery. Meanwhile, it's great for creating social connections.

Working On First Responder Suicide Prevention

First responder suicide rates are disturbingly high. Thankfully, the majority of these cases can be prevented. The key to suicide prevention is comprehensive treatment with an experienced clinical team.

At Command Post Wellness, we focus on effective and discreet treatment programs for first responders who face mental health issues. An individual approach to each first responder coupled with a healing environment helps our treatment facility achieve excellent results.


First Responders

Our Modern-Day Heroes

First responders and public safety employees are our modern-day heroes, which can come at a significant psychological price. The first responder regularly experiences on-the-job trauma in which risking their lives daily is just part of the job.

We have a team which assists first responders on a path to healing through innovative therapeutic modalities. Command Post Wellness prioritizes the mental health of our first responders and public safety employees.

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To learn more about if Command Post Wellness is right for you, 
and what to expect, contact us Today!

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