OCT 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.10

for mental health issues

for mental health issues is thestigma associated with treatment.Many believe they mustalways appear strong and viewasking for help as a sign ofweakness. This cultural mindsetcan be especially powerful inmale-dominated fields like policingand firefighting.Efforts to change the narrativeare essential. Awarenesscampaigns and peer supportprograms can significantly encouragefirst responders tospeak out and seek help. Trainingactive-duty personnel toidentify mental health issues incolleagues and manage stress isalso crucial. Programs offeringmental health resources specificallyfor first responders canhelp close the gap during andafter their service.Preparing first responders forretirement is crucial to reducingthe risk of suicide.POST-RETIREMENT SUPPORTSYSTEMSSupport systems for retiredfirst responders are expandingdue to this crisis. These includecounseling services that addressthe specific challenges facedby former emergency responders.Many organizations offerresources, training and supportnetworks aimed at reducingstigma and encouraging firstresponders to prioritize mentalhealth.Peer support networks canbe very beneficial. Retired firstresponders can connect throughinformal meetups, supportgroups or online forums, wherethey can share their experiencesand challenges. Creating a spacewhere they can discuss emotionswithout fear may be an importantfirst step toward healingand finding a new purpose afterretirement.ADVOCACY FOR CHANGETo address this issue, we needto push for systemic changesthat focus on mental healthawareness among first responders.Policy updates at institutionallevels, such as requiringpsychological evaluations andmental health days, can helpfoster a culture of opennesswhere mental wellness is takenseriously. Additionally, addingmental health education intotraining programs for new recruitscan ensure they are awareand resilient from the start oftheir careers.RETIREMENT TRANSITIONALPREPARATIONPreparing first responders forretirement is crucial to reducingthe risk of suicide. Here are severalkey strategies that can helpease this transition and promotemental well-being:Mental health education:Establish training programsthat emphasize the importanceof mental health throughout afirst responders career. Teachingthem about potential psychologicalimpacts and normalizingconversations around mentalhealth can help reduce stigmaand promote open discussions.Structured transition programs:Develop structured retirementplanning initiatives that incorporatecounseling and resources toassist first responders in navigatingtheir post-career lives. Theseprograms can help addressfeelings of loss, isolation, and asense of identity loss.Peer support networks: Createpeer support groups whereretiring first responders can connectwith colleagues who havealready transitioned to retirement.Sharing experiences andcoping strategies helps build asense of community and understanding.Career development workshops:Offer workshops on alternativecareer paths, volunteeropportunities or hobbies to helpfirst responders find new purposeafter retirement. Engagingin fulfilling activities can reducefeelings of purposelessness.Accessible mental healthresources: Ensure that mentalhealth services are readily availableand tailored to meet theunique needs of first responders,both during their careers andafter retirement. This accessibilitycan help individuals seek helpwhen needed.CONCLUSIONThe suicide rates among firstresponders highlight an urgentneed for action, reminding usof the importance of comprehensivemental health support,especially as they transitioninto retirement. By breaking thestigma around mental healthissues, offering tailored supportsystems and building communityconnections, we can honor theirsacrifices and work toward solutionsthat safeguard their mentalhealth long after they leave thejob. Protecting these protectorsisn’t just a duty; it’s vital for thehealth and safety of our communities.ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Peter Killeen is a former policeofficer and the Port Authorityof New York and New Jerseypolice union’s stress counselor. Heis the author of the “OperationLongevity” series of books andworkbooks and The Infidel Factor.26 The BLUES OCTOBER ‘25

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