Mental health challenges faced by wildland firefighters

I want to pause and acknowledge that wildland firefighters have mental health challenges. This has been on my mind for a few days now. I have struggled about how and what to share with you about mental health challenges faced by wildland firefighters. Let’s just say that part of my hesitation is because I am not now nor have I ever been a wildland firefighter so as sympathetic and supportive as I am about wildland firefighters living with mental health challenges, I can not know what it is like for wildland firefighters.  I want to respect all the challenges faced by wildland firefighters, mental health and otherwise and to be careful about writing about something I have no first hand knowledge of. In this case, it is not as simple as sharing a video. 

I know that Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today  has written extensively about mental health challenges faced by wildland firefighters, Bill’s posts tagged “mental health” may be found here  . I believe that Bill has a background as a wildland firefighter so that gives him credibility that I do not have. So if you want to learn more these mental health challenges and how they are being addressed by fire fighting agencies, I suggest that you look through Bill’s articles. Among Bill's articles that I found insightful is an article he wrote on December 26, 2021 here is an excerpt

Wildland firefighters on crews that are often deployed on endless 14-day assignments far from home may become acclimated to the high energy adrenaline-fueled environment. They are part of a team working toward the same clear objective, constructing fireline, installing hose lays, or mopping up. The goal is usually very obvious, and when done they can look back and see what they accomplished while part of a group that over months together could complete each other’s sentences. They know what each would do when faced with a pulse-elevating situation, or how they deal with boredom while waiting for a ride back to fire camp.

When the fire season is over, their environment goes through a metamorphose. Almost overnight they may find themselves with their spouse, significant other, children, parents, non-fire friends, or, alone — a completely different situation from the previous six months. Some firefighters adapt more easily than others. Those that don’t, may experience mental health issues and mild or severe depression. Spouses or children of the often-absent firefighter may also show symptoms. obtained on August, 29, 2022 from  https://wildfiretoday.com/2021/12/26/this-time-of-the-year-can-be-a-challenge-for-wildland-firefighters/)

A couple of weeks ago President Biden signed the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022. Included in this act are benefits to families of First Responders who die by suicide after job related stress. Such suicides are now considered as dying in the line of duty making their families eligible for insurance, health benefits and the like. See this article from CBS News. About time.