In tandem with our medical experts, dedicated MnFIRE training instructors like Andy Willenbring deliver crucial education about cancer, cardiac, emotional wellness, fitness, nutrition, sleep and more to fire departments across the state – and we couldn’t do it without them.

Andy has been in the fire service for 23 years, a goal of his since he grew up watching his father as a firefighter in White Bear Lake for 30 years. He started as a paid-on-call firefighter and Captain at Maple Grove, and more recently retired as a Lieutenant from the St. Louis Park Fire Department in October 2023. Andy has been a MnFIRE training instructor for four years now and during that time he’s taught nearly sixty trainings to fellow firefighters. We sat down with him to see what inspires him to do this work and how he empowers others to focus more on their well-being and open up about struggles within the fire service.

Why did you want to get involved with MnFIRE and become a training instructor?

I love training and talking to firefighters. It’s one of the best things about being a firefighter. And I got involved with MnFIRE because their Peer Support team got me through some pretty rough, emotionally traumatic times in my life. I thought it would be a great way to give back and tell my story so that no one else has to go through what I went through.

How are the training lessons benefitting Minnesota firefighters? What impact are they having?

I think a lot of people roll their eyes when they hear about a training presentation, but making it interesting – adding my own stories, experience and knowledge – makes it more fun for people to learn and be there. When I talk about my struggles with emotional trauma, it adds a real face to a real problem that many are struggling with and are afraid to talk about. When someone is standing in front of a class talking about their thoughts, nightmares, struggles and legitimately crying, it adds a realness to the training that hopefully makes a difference in someone’s life.

Why is it important for departments to participate in MnFIRE training?

[Cardiac disease, cancer and emotional trauma] are real problems in the fire service. Real problems that can be addressed with some simple changes in the way we live our lives and the way departments operate. I think it’s important for departments to all learn the same things to improve firefighters’ quality of life. No matter the size, location or function, all firefighters in Minnesota are in this together. No matter how different each department is, we all should have the same goal: the health and wellness of all firefighters.

Has there been anything surprising that you’ve learned during your time as a MnFIRE trainer?

I’ve had several firefighters reach out to me from all across the state after a training session and tell me that they have been having emotional trauma problems, and after listening to my presentation, they decided now is time to get help. It’s very surprising how widespread the need for help across the state is. We are so fortunate in Minnesota to have the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. It’s a one-of-a-kind program.

Is there anything else you want to tell firefighters about this training?

MnFIRE training is more important than you think it is. It’s important for firefighters to learn about how to better help themselves and help each other. But it’s even more important to share this information with your family and friends. Talk openly and be honest about what it means to be a firefighter, and how others can help you be a better person and live a long happy life.

Remember, it’s OK to not be OK. We all want to go home at the end of a shift or call, and these trainings will help you and your fellow firefighters do that.

Get trained for free

The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program supports annual MnFIRE training for all Minnesota firefighters, at no cost to departments. If your department has already completed our general awareness training about firefighter occupational health risks, there are several new deep-dive trainings now available. Click here to learn more and register for a training.

If you’re interested in becoming a MnFIRE training instructor like Andy, please reach out to Director of Program Delivery DeeDee Jankovich. We’re especially looking for new trainers in greater Minnesota.

Contributed by Paul J. Anderson II, M.D.

As a firefighter, anything can happen on a shift or a call. That’s why firefighters are trained to always be sharp and ready. But the beverages you consume when you aren’t on duty could impair your performance when the call comes in. Caffeine and alcohol can both have harmful effects on firefighters if not used in moderation, so it may be wise to “rethink your drink.”

Use caffeine to your advantage

We often associate caffeine with its ability to reduce sleepiness or daytime drowsiness. In reality, there are several benefits when used wisely, including improved reaction time and physical endurance. But a little can go a long way. An 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 90 milligrams of caffeine and the recommended maximum daily dose is around 400 milligrams. And the effect can take time to wear off. In fact, it takes about 10 hours for caffeine to completely leave your system once consumed.

For people with normal sleep and wake cycles, caffeine use is best limited to 100 to 200 milligrams per day and restricted to the morning hours. Firefighters, who typically have irregular sleep patterns and/or sleep deprivation, may need to think differently about caffeine and reserve caffeinated beverages for when it’s most beneficial. This means consuming relatively little caffeine (or none) most of the time and then increasing caffeine consumption during periods of high need, like a busy night shift, working tired or working overtime. Rethinking caffeine may mean that using less helps you benefit more.

Enjoy alcohol in moderation

It goes without saying that heavily drinking or binge drinking alcohol is not compatible with being ready for firefighting duty. Even moderate alcohol consumption can erode sleep quality, delay reaction times and could progress to alcohol dependence over time. So as a firefighter, you may want to rethink your relationship with alcohol.

Alcohol slows down your nervous system and gives you a temporary sensation of relaxation when consumed in moderate amounts. While alcohol has long been integrated into social interactions and celebrations around the world, it can be problematic when abused. Firefighters know the realities of this, having answered calls for preventable fires where alcohol was involved, auto accidents due to drunk driving, alcohol-related domestic problems and alcohol-induced health issues.

According to the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among firefighters, and it’s unfortunately common among firefighters to help deal with the emotional trauma experienced on the job. The numbing effects of alcohol consumption are only temporary, however. Once a person is sober, any mental health issues or memories of traumatic calls are still there. These problems may even feel worse after being temporarily alleviated, which helps fuel the cycle of substance abuse.

Heavy drinking is defined as more than two standard drinks per day for men, or more than one standard drink per day for women. A standard drink is defined as a shot of liquor (1.5 ounces), a 12-ounce beer (4% ABV), or a 5-ounce glass of wine. Binge drinking (more than six drinks in a short period) is another harmful pattern of drinking to avoid.

The good news is that going alcohol-free for a period or cutting down on alcohol has never been easier. Dry months are common practice, and there has been an explosion of alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits that can make cutting back on alcohol or stopping drinking altogether much easier. Cutting back on alcohol with a group of people as a challenge can be a fun and effective challenge for team building.

While it goes without saying that no firefighter should use illegal substances, it may be beneficial to analyze your use of these more common substances. Any efforts that improve your ability to be safe and live well as a firefighter are worth the time.

Need help? MnFIRE’s got your back

If you or a firefighter loved one need help with alcohol or substance abuse, please call our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634. Free counseling visits, peer support and other resources are available through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. This confidential, free service is available for all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters and their families, and for all levels of support.

“We had an incident where a person lost their life in a grain bin. We all knew this farmer who lost his life. Once we left the scene, I knew it had touched all of us,” explained Chief Jeff Leuer of the West Suburban Fire District, a paid on-call department of 50 firefighters covering 50 square miles including stations in Loretto and Hamel.

“When I left the scene and was driving back to the station, I called MnFIRE and I said, ‘We just had this incident. I am concerned that I am going to have some people who are going to have to deal with this. What do I do? How do I direct them?’”

Fortunately, Jeff knew that confidential help was available 24/7 for any firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program, which targets emotional health and stress unique to the fire service through connection to mental health counseling and peer support.

The trained MnFIRE Peer Support specialist who answered Jeff’s call reassured him: We can help. Point them our way. What Jeff didn’t realize was that it wasn’t just his firefighters who stood to benefit from the program.

“That peer supporter from MnFIRE, they said, ‘How are you doing?’ They stopped me in my tracks,” said Jeff.

That simple question helped Jeff realize his bucket of stress and trauma was practically overflowing. After being in the fire service for 25 years, he could barely take it anymore. With the peer supporter’s reassurance and the offer to talk again, they hung up.

Jeff talked about the conversation with his wife and thought maybe that was it. But the next morning, he got a call from that same peer supporter, saying, “Good morning, Jeff. How are you doing today? It’s a new day. The sun is shining.”

From that day forward for about a month straight, the peer supporter would call or text him.

“While I didn’t go get formal, professional help, that person helped bring me from the really tough place I was at,” said Jeff. “‘We’ve got to get some of this stuff out of your bucket,’ they would say. I still get emotional.”

“MnFIRE, and the peer support, it means so much to me.”

And those firefighters Jeff referred to MnFIRE? Two of them told him how glad they were that someone reached out, that they had an excellent experience. Jeff said, “Even if they don’t get formal help, they are guided in the right direction.”

This incident wasn’t the first time Jeff or his team needed some help from MnFIRE, and it won’t be the last. Two of his firefighters recently experienced cardiac events and sought help from the Critical Illness benefit. And others sought out MnFIRE Peer Support when a fellow firefighter died unexpectedly in 2021.

Jeff’s department takes mental health very seriously. And talking about it, he believes, makes it easier for people to reach out when they need it.

“I have had struggles. Still today, if something comes up, I’m not afraid to give a call and talk to someone,” Jeff said. “By firefighters hearing the chiefs say, ‘I had a problem. I needed help. I reached out and it helped.’ It makes it okay for them to give a call. It’s for firefighters, and it’s for chiefs, too.”

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or click here.

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

As firefighters, you’re taught to always be prepared. Your department spends hours practicing and preparing for that moment when someone calls for help. But how do you answer the call from one of your own?

Mental health problems can come in all sizes, from a firefighter facing burnout to one who is having suicidal thoughts. With the mental demands and emotional toll of firefighting, fire service leaders must be prepared to offer support to their fellow firefighters when needed. After all, firefighters with more supportive cultures and departmental resources perceive their work environment as less stressful, which can lessen manifestations of mental health problems such as anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia and depression.

Here are a few things you can do to be better prepared.

Get trained

Fire service leaders should receive training on how to talk to their crew about mental health concerns. These situations are delicate and at times need to be handled differently than your typical calls. MnFIRE provides access to suicide prevention classes and emotional wellness deep-dive trainings. Because with proper education, you can identify the warning signs for emotional trauma and feel more comfortable having these conversations with your firefighters.

Build awareness and support

Making small changes now can help build a stronger foundation to stand on later. Put up posters around your department with messages and tips for managing different symptoms such as sleep deprivation or moodiness. Posters can be placed in prominent areas like the kitchen, or more discrete locations such as the restrooms. MnFIRE also offers educational materials on resources to help, which show MnFIRE’s free helpline for getting support 24/7.

While a few posters or brochures won’t change the fire service culture, having them visible and accessible can be helpful to someone suffering in silence and start building awareness for the support that’s always available to them.

Be proactive

Several departments have started doing regular check-ins with their crews. A good time for doing this is at roll call or shift changes. It can be as simple as asking your crew to rate their current mental status on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being mentally maxed out. If one of your firefighters is at a seven or higher, pull them aside and ask them what you can do to support them. A simple check-in adds accountability and shows the crew that you genuinely care.

It’s also helpful to develop a safety plan for your department so you know what process to follow to de-escalate any type of crisis situation.

Stay calm

If a mental health emergency does arise, stay calm. Ask the firefighter what you can do to support them through their difficult situation. Steer clear of offering advice, but rather listen and empathize.

Be attentive

Taking a class like MnFIRE’s emotional wellness training or the suicide prevention skills training we put on for our peer supporters can be very beneficial to learning warning signs for someone in distress. Non-verbal and verbal language both give clues about when a firefighter’s mental health may be starting to decline, or they may even become suicidal. It is best to recognize these signs before they escalate into a dangerous situation.

Call MnFIRE

If you don’t feel prepared, know that we are. The MnFIRE toll free number 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 to all full-time, part-time, on-call and volunteer firefighters in Minnesota. Just call 888-784-6634.

To Our Minnesota Fire Service Sisters and Brothers:

Everyone at MnFIRE joins the entire state as we mourn the loss of Burnsville firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth and police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge in yesterday’s tragedy. During this difficult time, please remember that the full resources of the MnFIRE Assistance Program are available to all Minnesota firefighters and their families.

Confidential help – including connection to no-cost mental health care and peer support – is available anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and/or their family. Phone lines are answered 24/7 by Master’s-level trained mental health professionals who provide confidential support, guidance and mental health resources.

For immediate, 24/7 support call 888-784-6634.

Any member of a firefighter’s household can use these important Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) resources. Each firefighter and/or their family members can access up to five counseling visits a year (additional support is available as needed). Firefighters are also matched with a member of MnFIRE’s team of trained peer supporters who know firsthand the difficulties firefighters face and are well-equipped to walk alongside a firefighter in need as they navigate their situation.

If you’d like to talk, we’re here.

For more information or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit liveandworkwell.com, access code: MnFIRE.

While nutrition alone can’t solve the complexities of a mental health condition, a growing body of research is showing how diets that support brain health can benefit mental health and well-being, and also help reduce stress and improve focus.

How nutrients support you

Your brain and body need a variety of nutrients to support your health. It’s important to note – despite the claims of ads, trends and friends – no one food or drink (or supplement for that matter) can uplift a down mood or cure a mental health condition. Generally speaking, your brain and body regularly need a balance of proteins, fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, (unsaturated) fats and water to fuel them properly. Each one plays a role. For example:

• Protein helps your brain produce the chemicals it uses to regulate your thoughts and emotions.
• The healthy omega fats found in salmon, avocados, nuts and seeds, among other sources, support your brain function.
• Your body turns carbohydrates into glucose (a kind of sugar) that travels through your blood to feed your brain. Complex carbs found in whole grains, for example, produce slow and steady sugars to keep your brain fueled. Without them, you may experience low blood sugar, which can make you feel tired, irritable and depressed.
• The foods you eat also help promote a healthy gut – stomach, intestines and colon – with the right amount and kinds of bacteria to process and break down your food. Fiber aids in the digestion process, and so do foods with probiotics, like yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh and kimchi.
• If you don’t drink enough water, you can become dehydrated. Dehydration makes it harder to focus and think clearly. It also can depress your mood and energy level.

On the other hand, foods low on nutrients can make you feel mentally worse. For example:

• The trans fats often found in highly processed and packaged foods have been linked to bad moods.
• Similarly, highly processed, sugary and fried foods have been linked to hyperactivity, aggression, poor concentration, depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.
• And the caffeine so many people rely on for a boost of energy can actually overstimulate you, causing feelings of irritability, anxiousness and depression. It also can keep you from sleeping soundly.
• Diets low in nutrients also affect gut health. As noted above, this system helps you digest your food properly and eliminate waste. If it’s off, so is your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and feed your brain.

Risks of poor nutrition

Interestingly, much of this brain-nutrient-mental health support system can work both ways. If you’re already feeling stressed, anxious or sad, you may find it difficult to eat, much less prepare, healthful food. The lack of rich nutrients makes it harder for your brain to function properly, which in turn aggravates your already struggling mental health, and can even worsen how you already feel.

When you’re not feeling well or eating well, it can also affect your gut. You may feel stopped up, stirred up, bloated or gassy, all of which throws off your digestive system. If your digestive system is malfunctioning, your brain isn’t getting the fuel it needs, and, hungry, struggles to function properly.

Help yourself eat nutrient-rich foods

Follow these three general guidelines to choose more nutritious options:

1. Eat more:
   • Vegetables
   • Fruits
   • Whole grains (bread, brown rice, quinoa)
   • Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and kidney, black or pinto beans)
   • Fish and seafood
   • Unsaturated fats like those found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), avocados, seeds, nuts and olive oil
2. Eat in moderation:
   • Red meat (beef, pork lamb, goat and venison)
3. Eat less:
   • Refined sugars (from cane, beets, coconut, palm and corn)
   • Processed foods, especially those high in saturated fat, salt and sugar (such as pre-packaged instant and canned soups, deli meats, sausages, snacks and breakfast cereals)

Fresh foods may be more expensive or harder to access in some areas. So, frozen, canned and dried options are a great choice, too. Look for ones that are minimally processed and have limited additives or preservatives.

Also, consider these ways to help yourself steer toward nutrient-rich foods daily:

• Prepare and store healthy meals and snacks in advance.
• Make one-pot meals – stews, soups and casseroles – to save yourself time and hassle.
• Make plans to cook in rather than eating out with family and friends.
• Have food delivered if getting to the store is too time-consuming or difficult.

A nutrition guide designed specifically for firefighters

Even small changes can make a difference over time. If you need recipe ideas, consider looking online for dietitian-approved options or asking your health care provider for help.

Firefighters can also learn more about nutrition and how it can help them perform more safely and efficiently while on duty, as well as at home, by scheduling a MnFIRE training on Fitness & Nutrition for your department. Learn more here.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum.

 

Sources

BetterHealth Channel. Food and your mood. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-and-your-mood</span. Accessed October 16, 2023.

American Society for Nutrition. How to boost mental health through better nutrition. nutrition.org/how-to-boost-mental-health-through-better-nutrition/. Accessed October 16, 2023.

BetterHealth. Gut health. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health. Accessed October 16, 2023.

Dietitians Australia. Diet and nutrition health advice: Mental health including anxiety and depression. dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/mental-health-including-anxiety-and-depression. Accessed October 16, 2023.

Harvard Health. Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food. health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626. Accessed October 16, 2023.

Mental Health Foundation. Diet and mental health. mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/diet-and-mental-health. Accessed October 16, 2023.

Mind. Food and mental health. mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mental-health/. Accessed October 16, 2023.

World Health Organization. Mental disorders. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvrOpBhBdEiwAR58-3F0CEF39A_G2i0LFhhAHl2NLCvU1axJCRNFiPv62ZGJDoo92coQw7BoCbtAQAvD_BwE. Accessed October 16, 2023.

When you’re going through something stressful or feeling anxious, negative thoughts can make difficult situations and feelings even harder. That’s because how we think affects how we feel, and how we feel affects how we behave.

Learning how to get ahead of unhelpful thoughts and reframing them to be more positive can help you get through those moments. It also can help improve your overall mental and emotional well-being.

While we generally cannot control the thoughts that come into our minds, especially after a tough call, we can control what we do with them. And we can train ourselves to alter our thinking patterns to be more helpful. Let’s look at how this works.

Types of unhelpful thoughts

First, let’s consider the kinds of negative thinking that may affect you. Here are some common ones:

Expecting the worst to happen.
This sometimes takes the form of “but what if?” thinking, too. In either case, even if something is going well, you expect the worst and think of all the bad things that could happen. As a result, you find it difficult to enjoy good times or be present in the moment. For example, if your boss sets up a meeting with you for the next day, an unhelpful thought would be, “I must be getting fired!” A way to reframe that more positively would be, “My boss wants to meet with me tomorrow. She isn’t on shift today, so I cannot ask her why. Tomorrow I will know why she wants to meet, and I can deal with it then.” 

Focusing on the negative.
Even if something good happens, you tend to think only about what went wrong or could have gone better.

Seeing things only as good or bad and ignoring the range of possibilities in between.
This is also called “all or nothing” and “black and white” thinking. This pattern oversimplifies situations. For example, thinking “if you don’t win, then you lose” overlooks the benefits of participating in something you enjoy, such as a tennis match, or in pursuing opportunities, like applying for a promotion.

Making negative assumptions.
For example, if something bad happened, you assume it will keep happening. Like, if you once failed a test, going into every test believing you’ll also fail them. But realistically, you have passed many more tests than you’ve failed, and you’re prepared for this one. A more helpful thought would be, “I failed that test, but I prepared well for this test – and I’ve passed many more tests than I’ve failed.”

Blaming yourself when bad things happen. Or blaming others for bad things that happen to you.
This thinking pattern fails to consider all the other factors that could contribute to a situation or event. If you didn’t arrive at the scene early enough to help someone, it can be easy to spiral or blame yourself. In the fire service, having to navigate survivor’s guilt also isn’t uncommon, especially if there has been a line-of-duty death. We must remember that placing blame on others does not honor the sacrifice of the fallen. Use critical incidents as an opportunity to learn from possible mistakes, but try to give yourself and your crew the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this uniquely challenging work.

In each of these thinking patterns, you aren’t considering the positive possibilities and variety of perspectives. You’re also not considering the full story or thinking about the facts. Many factors contribute to and come into play in every situation. Try to pay attention to where your brain goes in a difficult time.

If you find yourself getting trapped in one of these unhelpful thinking patterns, ask yourself questions to center your thoughts and see other perspectives. For example:

• Why am I so worried about this? Has this happened before? If yes, how did I manage that situation? If no, how likely is it to happen in this situation? And if it does, what can I do to get through it?
• Are there other reasons or explanations why this could have happened? For example, maybe my friend’s partner does not feel well, so they need to reschedule dinner. Or, I failed that test because I didn’t prepare properly, but I am prepared for this test – and I’ve passed many more tests than I’ve failed.
• If someone I cared about were in this situation, what would I tell them? Would I be as hard on them as I am on myself?

Another way to reconsider unhelpful thoughts is to go through this step-by-step exercise. Ask yourself:

1. Why am I stressed and/or having anxious thoughts? What happened?
2. What unhelpful thoughts am I having?
3. How do those thoughts make me feel?
4. What evidence supports these unhelpful thoughts?
5. What evidence challenges these unhelpful thoughts?
6. Based on the evidence, what is a more helpful, realistic and/or balanced way to think about this?

Then, take a deep breath. Let the other perspective sink in, and reset.

Going through these reframing processes can help you feel calmer in the moment and shift your thinking patterns over time to be more positive. With practice, thinking more positively can become part of your life – and help improve your overall mental and emotional health and well-being – both in the fire service and in your personal life.

Want to learn more or get more mental health support like this?

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP). The MAP targets emotional health and stress unique to the fire service through connection to mental health care and peer support. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum.

Sources

MyHealth Alberta, “Learning about thought reframing.” myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk7438. Accessed September 22, 2023.

NHS, “Reframing unhelpful thoughts.” nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/reframing-unhelpful-thoughts/. Accessed August 8, 2923.

Small Steps, “Reframing thoughts.” smallsteps.org.nz/reframing-thoughts. Accessed August 8, 2023.

Mental health conditions affect people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles in all kinds of ways. In fact, about one in five people globally live with a mental health condition. For firefighters, the rates are even higher than the general population – particularly in the areas of sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress injury and suicidal ideation/action.

And too many of these firefighters are suffering in silence.

Mental health conditions are treatable illnesses. Yet, despite how common mental health concerns and conditions are, stigma persists. And most people don’t seek help.

Here are seven ways you can help stop stigma, so people feel safer and more comfortable getting the help they may need:

Be kind

A simple rule of thumb is to remember people are people, not conditions. Treating people with kindness and compassion can go a long way toward creating a welcoming, supportive environment.

Study the facts

There is a lot of bad information out there. Check your source before you repeat or repost a tidbit off the internet. It may not be accurate. Consider the motivation behind a dramatic portrayal on a TV show before assuming it’s credible. Educate yourself, so you can help set the record straight. It’s best to start with legitimate resources that are committed to raising awareness and mobilizing support for mental health. The World Health Organization is a great example. Learning about common conditions, like depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and others, will help you spread good information.

Be an ally

Encourage respect and dignity for all people. If you hear someone saying hurtful or false things about mental health concerns or conditions, politely speak up and address it.

Talk openly about mental health

Listen respectfully and invite open conversation about the importance of mental health and well-being. People should not feel ashamed or reluctant to get the benefit of professional help.

Foster understanding

Encourage yourself and those you influence to view mental health just as you would physical health. If, for example, a friend sprained an ankle or broke an arm, you would encourage them to seek medical attention. The same should be true for mental health conditions.

Share your own experience

If you have personal experience with mental illness, consider telling others about it. Sharing your story can foster understanding and provide perspective. The MnFIRE Peer Support program provides a confidential outlet for firefighters to share what they’re going through with someone who understands.

Get involved

Around the world, people are working hard to improve mental health care perceptions, systems and policies. There are many ways to show support. Make sure you post only accurate information on your social media. Drive a friend to a therapy appointment. Make your vote count in local elections. Donate time or money to an advocacy organization like MnFIRE. Every show of support helps normalize the conversation around mental health and wellness.

The emotional and disturbing calls we go on can stick with us – and it’s important to recognize how the stresses of the job can negatively impact our mental health. MnFIRE’s emotional wellness training can help your department de-stigmatize talking about mental health, as well as provide practical information around how to properly debrief after a difficult call, ways to maintain emotional well-being and what resources are available for those who need help.

Confidential peer support and mental health resources are available to Minnesota firefighters and their families for free through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum.

 

Sources

American Psychiatric Association, “Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.”
psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination Accessed July 17, 2023.

BetterHealth Channel, “Stigma, discrimination and mental illness.”
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness#challenging-stigma-associated-with-mental-illness. Accessed July 17, 2023.

Mind, “Mental health problems – an introduction.”
mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/stigma-misconceptions/. Accessed July 17, 2023.

NAMI, “Pledge to be stigmafree.”
nami.org/Get-Involved/Pledge-to-Be-StigmaFree. Accessed July 17, 2023.

Contributed by Paul J. Anderson, M.D.

There is no way around it, firefighting is a stressful job. Physically, you must be able to handle the stress of the station alarm or an emergency call, the truck sirens blaring, gearing up and working hard until the fire is out, keeping at it until overhaul is done, and staying until your gear is clean and back in your locker. Emotionally, you must handle distraught victims, exposure to horrible life situations and trauma, the unpredictable attitudes of your teammates, and anything else that comes at you on a call. On top of all that, if you are like most firefighters in Minnesota – part-time or volunteer – this might not even be your day job, and you likely have a family to take care of as well.

All of these things considered, firefighting exposes us to high levels of stress. With prolonged exposure to these elevated stress levels, firefighters can feel a negative ripple effect through various aspects of life that may eventually hinder a person’s ability to function.

The most important thing to remember about your body is that it cannot tell the difference between various kinds of stress. “Stress is stress” to your body. It’s also good to remember that too much stress can negatively impact almost all of the other lifestyle habits you might be trying to build or maintain. With too much stress, we eat poorly, sleep poorly, have low energy for working out, our relationships suffer and we may turn to alcohol or other substances a little too often to “take the edge off.”

But there are ways to counter the “crunch” of too much stress in your life. Here are a few thoughts to help you step out in another direction:

1. Prioritize: Being stressed out happens sometimes in everyone’s life, but often it happens because our priorities have gotten out of order. Think about what capacities are most important to you and what skills and resources are essential to helping you be your best for yourself and the people around you. Prioritize the time and activities that support those resources. Take control of your schedule. Decide to let some things go.
2. Downsize: So much stress comes from trying to do too much in too little time. Maybe there are some parts of your life you could simplify or let go of altogether to get back on track. Think about your commitments, your obligations and the extra activities that are filling your time. Maybe you can back off just a little bit and buy yourself some time to recharge.
3. Capitalize: Capitalizing means you take what you have and reinvest it in key resources that make you even more successful. Take your new priorities, and some of the time you gained from downsizing, and re-invest in your key relationships, the physical and mental health you have through physical activity and great nutrition, good friendships, spending time in nature and participating in activities or causes that bring you joy.

Managing stress is a key pillar of a healthy lifestyle that will improve your ability to be present to your work, your family, and yourself. You can read more about other healthy lifestyle pillars, such as physical fitness, here.

MnFIRE’s peer supporters are a crucial lifeline to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families. By matching firefighters with someone who has experienced similar struggles, we’re making it easier for folks to get the emotional support they need, while reducing the stigma around talking about mental health and suicide that has historically pervaded the fire service.

But who are these peer supporters, and what is it actually like when you call them?

We sat down for an interview with Jim Salentine, a retired Minnesota firefighter and active peer supporter, to give you another glimpse at the dedicated people behind our Peer Support program.

Tell us a little about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter?

I became a firefighter in 1992, then had a gap and came back in 2018. I’m an honor guard member. My first career was in the computer business. I retired in 2018 and prayed about what I want to do when I grow up. I made a pretty big career change from computers/systems to health care. I’m currently working in homecare as the CEO of New Dimensions Home Health Care, so very blessed to try and make someone’s day a little better.

I’m very involved with my church and on a couple of committees, and I coach basketball. My wife is my best friend; we’ve been married since 1986. We have a white Samoyed named Shiloh. I take great pride in taking care of myself both physically and mentally.

My whole goal is to give someone a four-letter word that is huge and it’s called “HOPE.”

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

Because I truly believe the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives is what it’s all about. Everyone has a story, and they need to be heard, valued, respected and cared for.

What is the most rewarding part of being a peer supporter?

Spending time listening to people – really listening – being so thankful and saying, ‘WOW, I’ve never felt so good talking to someone about my struggles and issues. I thought it was just me and not being strong.’ I say that’s why God gave us two ears and one mouth – we’re supposed to spend twice as much time listening.

What is the most surprising part of being a peer supporter?

I wasn’t sure I had any other expectations of being a peer supporter, other than the blessings that I’ve received. Meeting people where they’re at and being a confidential resource that cares about and loves them.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP)?

I first became a firefighter back in 1992, and I can say that I wish the HHAP would have been around then. It’s unreal all the support that someone in need can get now. The other thing that is amazing, no issue is too small nor big. You never know when a firefighter is in need of someone who understands. It’s a safe place to know you’re not alone and so many people care about you.

What advice would you give to a firefighter who is looking to improve their mental health?

What you’re experiencing isn’t unusual, you’re not alone. Spend time each day to take care of yourself, eat, sleep, exercise, pray and practice mindfulness.

How to access MnFIRE Peer Support

Call our 24-hour hotline at 888-784-6634. All calls are answered live, 24/7, by experienced mental health professionals, and they can match you with a peer supporter who has had similar life experiences. You can also get connected with a peer supporter using the new MnFIRE PeerConnect app.

Learn more about all of the emotional trauma resources available to Minnesota firefighters and their families at no cost to them on our MnFIRE Assistance Program page.