{"id":20510,"date":"2023-05-11T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T13:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20510"},"modified":"2023-07-19T11:40:29","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T16:40:29","slug":"how-to-manage-stress-for-first-responders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-to-manage-stress-for-first-responders\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Manage Stress for First Responders"},"content":{"rendered":"

First responders are an essential part of a community. They play an important role helping and keeping people safe in the event of an emergency. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that more than <\/span>25 million people hold first responder roles<\/span><\/a> in the United States. This includes any professional or volunteer performing duties like firefighting, law enforcement, any emergency medical professionals, and others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Daily life on the job in any of these professions can include long hours away from family and prolonged stress from dangerous situations. Even a relatively normal shift can be stressful, due to the uncertainty it holds. Because of the high-stakes environment of first responder work, professionals in the field are <\/span>more likely to develop mental health issues or attempt suicide<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To perform at the top of their capability in caring for others, first responders must also take care of their own mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many first responders <\/span>neglect their own mental health<\/span><\/a> due to a perceived stigma. Frequent encounters with mental illness and substance abuse can create a bias or desensitization that causes first responders to avoid labeling themselves and seeking the treatment they need.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Identifying burnout and traumatic incident stress<\/b><\/h2>\n

In addition to the initial impact of a traumatic incident, constant exposure to high-pressure, potentially life-threatening situations can take a toll on a person\u2019s mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding burnout<\/h2>\n

Although <\/span>a burnout diagnosis<\/span><\/a> is often mistaken with other mental health conditions such as depression, burnout is different because it tends to result from a specific situation. A stressful work environment or unhealthy work-life balance are two common attributes of first responder jobs that can lead to burnout.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2022 study of first and second responders found that first responders were <\/span>more likely to meet the requirements of burnout<\/span><\/a>. This study examined these workers specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the evidence still illustrates the high capacity for burnout in traumatic work environments. Burnout symptoms can begin subtly, and become more pronounced if the trigger remains. Common signs of burnout include:<\/span><\/p>\n