World Mental Health Day

Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. We want to remind everyone its ok to reach out and ask for help.

One out of five adults experience a mental illness, and one out six youths experience a mental health challenge.

Remember to practice self-care when feeling overwhelmed.
**Step away and take a deep breath.
**Create a “No” list.
**Be KIND to YOURSELF
**Ask for help from a loved one.
**Write it out.

As First Responders, we are the ones assisting others during their time of need, however, we are the last to ask for help. On Average, about one in three First Responders experience the stigma surrounding Mental Health and due to this, WE tend to not seek help. We carry until WE can no longer carry the weight/stress. There are several barriers associated with underreporting, such as but not limited to, lack of knowledge of where to receive treatment, scheduling concerns, and fear regarding confidentiality. The risk to First Responders for developing stress-related health problems is greater than the general public; because of this some First Responders suffer from severe-critical incident stress, flashbacks, nightmares, recurring thoughts, emotional numbness and avoidance of people/places trauma has occurred.

There are resources available to First Responders and their families when these critical times occur. Remember the Officers of your Department are always available if you need assistance with handling the stress of a call. If you feel you may not be able to talk to someone from your Department or feel it may be easier to talk to a stranger, the following resources are always available.

**Maryland Critical Incident Stress Management & Peer Support (CISM) 1-800-648-3001
If you have experienced a difficult or troubling call, or are experiencing stress and would like to talk to a trained and experienced Peer or Licensed Mental Health professional from your local team, or the state team.

**Safe Call Now 1-206-459-3020
A 24/7 help line staffed by First Responders for First Responders and their family members.

**Fire/EMS Helpline 1-88-731-3473
“Share The Load Program”. This program is run by the National Volunteer Fire Council. They have critical resources available for Firefighters & EMTs, and their families to help manager and overcome personal & work-related problems. Visit their website at nvfc.org for more on their program, as well, as other resources they offer to the Volunteer service & First Responders.

**Crisis Text Line
Text “Start” or “Help” to 741-741. This service allows people in crisis to speak with a trained crisis counselor.

**Frontline Helpline 1-866-676-7500
Run by Frontline Responder Services. They offer 24/7 coverage with First Responder call-takers.

988
Free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7 Nationwide. They also offer a chat option by using 988lifeline.org/chat

**SAMHSA’s National Helpline 800-662-4357 (HELP)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental health and substance use challenges.

All resources and other assistance can also be found at mentalhealthfirstaid.org and codegreencampaign.org