Suicide prevention: What to know

Contributed by MnFIRE Mental Health Director Melinda Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, recent data shows more than 800 Minnesotans die by suicide every year. In Minnesota’s fire service, research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness tells us that nearly 50% of firefighters are currently experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts. Sadly, approximately four to six Minnesota firefighters will choose to die by suicide each year.

The causes of suicide are complex, but we do know the repeat exposure to traumatic events that firefighters face can pose significant risk to their mental health, and leave them at a higher risk for suicide. Suicide is preventable, but there is a stigma around the topic that stops people from admitting they are struggling and getting the help they need. By raising awareness and learning how to support each other, we can make a positive change and save lives.

Know the risk factors

Being aware of risk factors is one of the first ways you can help prevent suicide. Two of the most common risk factors for suicide are depression and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Studies show that firefighters are five times more likely to experience depression. It usually presents as continuous sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest for the activities previously enjoyed. Additionally, PTSI can also be a warning sign. In fact, because of the daily high-stress and sometimes tragic calls that firefighters respond to, one in five firefighters meet the criteria for PTSI.

Know the warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is behavior changes. Warning signs could include isolation or withdrawing from family and friends, a substance abuse disorder, poor sleep habits, mood swings, or lack of hygiene and weight loss. Listen for language that refers to not being included anymore, or the world being better after not being around any longer. It’s important that if you fear someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone – call a crisis line or health care provider.

There is help

It’s important for all first responders to have a healthy outlet for releasing their mental and emotional struggles. Counseling can offer professional support by giving you tools to manage and relieve mental and emotional symptoms. Peer support is another great option for having a trusted person you can talk to and relate to with your story. Exploring faith and spirituality can also sometimes help you find more direction, connection and clarity in life.

Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns. We all experience hard times. But it’s always temporary. Suicide is never the answer. Know that it’s OK to ask for help, and it’s a gift to allow someone to help you.

MnFIRE is here

As a Minnesota firefighter or family member, you have a whole support team behind you thanks to the MnFIRE Assistance Program! The MnFIRE helpline is staffed by masters-level clinicians all day, every day. From one-on-one calls to department debriefs, during the middle of a crisis or after a tough call, we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to use this free, confidential resource available 24/7 to all full-time, part-time, on-call and volunteer firefighters and their families in Minnesota. Just call 888-784-6634.

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Doug and Kyle have reached day six of Miles for MnFIRE! Along with the two walkers, two special flags are making the more than 150-mile journey – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, the flags are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

Learn more about Miles for MnFIRE and support your hometown heroes here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
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Doug and Kyle have reached day six of Miles for MnFIRE! Along with the two walkers, two special flags are making the more than 150-mile journey – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, the flags are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

Learn more about Miles for MnFIRE and support your hometown heroes here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Our Miles for MnFIRE walkers have completed 94 miles of the 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul -- and they are still smiling!

Here's an on-the-road update from Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they reflect on crossing the halfway point, a major milestone on day five of their nine-day journey.

Read the full recap on our blog: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-5/
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It's day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and there's still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Its day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and theres still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul.

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Let's go!

Read more day 4 highlights here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/
... See MoreSee Less

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul. 

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits! 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Lets go! 

Read more day 4 highlights here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
2 days ago

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
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