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.

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.

Our peer supporters are the backbone of the MnFIRE Assistance Program. By matching firefighters with someone who has experienced the same 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 one of our MnFIRE peer supporters, Angeline (Ange) Appelholm from the South Metro Fire Department, so you can get a glimpse into the people behind this important, life-saving 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 currently work in the prevention division at South Metro Fire Department, where I’ve been for 10 years — with the first eight years working on the streets. I joined MnFIRE in 2020 and also volunteer with the Metro CISM team. Outside of my role in the fire industry, I have been married to my husband for eleven years and we have two small kids who keep us busy. The warmer months are spent outdoors, and I love to travel! Health and wellness are extremely important to me, and you can find me in the yoga studio when I have free time.

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

After seeing one of my own members at my department battling mental health issues, it became apparent to me that those of us in the industry needed to be the ones making the change and I wanted to be a part of it. MnFIRE was the perfect place for me to start that journey.

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

The most rewarding part for me is making a connection with someone who I maybe would have never met before. Part of MnFIRE’s process is connecting you with like-minded people or putting you in touch with someone who has been in your shoes. Even though I’m the peer supporter, the connection goes both ways for me. The fire industry is unique and not easily understood by those not in it and this is a great opportunity for our industry to come together as one big family.

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

The most surprising aspect for me is that there are so many others out there who have walked a similar path as I have. When you utilize the Peer Support side of MnFIRE, they aim to pair you with someone who has shared experiences. I think this is one of the many reasons that MnFIRE is so successful.

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

I truly think the mental health resources of the HHAP are the most valuable. Mental health in our industry has been overlooked for so long and having something in place for past, current and future generation firefighters is only going to help make this a more sustainable career. No one in the fire industry needs to carry their burdens alone and MnFIRE has made it possible to access mental health care comfortably.

What two suggestions would you share with every Minnesota firefighter to improve their mental health?

MnFIRE has done a great job at teaching the fire industry the signs and symptoms of mental and emotional distress. Some of these signs and symptoms can sneak up on you so just paying attention to what your body needs at the moment is really important. Shift work makes it hard but sticking to a routine as best as possible is so beneficial for our mental health. Also, having your support network intact will be so valuable to you as a firefighter. Having at least one or two people who you trust and who are available at any given hour is essential.

Want to talk to a peer supporter?

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.

Firefighting is a strenuous job – physically, mentally and emotionally. Call after call, year after year, the stress can add up and lead to detrimental effects, especially for a firefighter’s mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13% of firefighters screened positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 53% screened positive for both anxiety and depression separately.

With the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), help is out there. In fact, it’s at your fingertips with the MnFIRE PeerConnect app. In May, the MnFIRE PeerConnect app launched as yet another free health and wellness resource for Minnesota firefighters and their families. It was developed in partnership with First Response Mental Health, an organization that specializes in the stressors that first responders are exposed to, and the support systems in place to protect and support them.

The app, now available to download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching “MnFIRE PeerConnect”, provides users the ability to easily request confidential Peer Support in two easy ways: immediately dial in or request a call back.

Unique to this platform is the opportunity to preview peer supporter profiles and personally select the person you’d like to talk to directly. While all of MnFIRE’s trained peer supporters are ready to lend a listening ear or offer support, this selection can make all the difference in the comfort level of a firefighter asking for help.

In addition, the app serves up a unique feed of firefighter health and wellness information. When you download the app, you immediately gain access to a library of articles and resources focused on improving firefighter health and wellness, all curated and created by MnFIRE’s knowledgeable experts.

The MnFIRE PeerConnect app is another step towards reducing the stigma of asking for help in the fire service. Talking about the challenges we face is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a proactive measure to better health. If you or a firefighter you know is working through a tough time at work or at home and needs someone to talk to who gets it, tell them “there’s an app for that.”

You can also contact MnFIRE’s Peer Support service directly via phone at 1-888-784-6634. Calls to the Peer Support hotline are answered live, 24/7, through PRO Network’s HIPAA-compliant answering service, and their experienced roster of masters-level mental health professionals will work to connect individuals with peer supporters and get them the help they need. No matter if you call or use the app, connecting with the MnFIRE Peer Support team can make all the difference on the path to better mental health and well-being.

To learn more, visit the PeerConnect App page.

From the anticipation of beginning a new year to adjusting to whatever else life throws at you, the holiday season can be stressful for many people, but for firefighters and first responders especially so thanks to icy road conditions; increased cooking, heating and electrical hazards; and more.

As you’re celebrating the season with fellow first responders, loved ones and friends, it’s important to stay in touch with how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally, especially after a tough or traumatic call. Here are seven ways to guard yourself against and alleviate potential stressors, during this holiday season and year-round:

1. Be realistic – and optimistic
   You are one person with 24 hours in a day. Avoid putting pressure on yourself to be perfect. Instead, make goals about doing the best you can. Also, look for reasons to be positive. Inviting yourself to take pride in your personal and professional accomplishments, however small they may feel, can go a long way in helping you feel energized and motivated.
2. Set boundaries
   Resist the pressure or urge to make yourself available at all hours for all people. Trying to fit too much into one day can make you less effective and eventually lead to exhaustion. Do what you can to organize your time and tasks, so you’re focusing on the highest priorities first and most. For example, divide errands or chores into “must-do’s,” “could-do’s” and “no-need-to’s” where possible.
3. Take time for yourself
   Make sure to take time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes or an hour or two. Also, give yourself permission to decline requests for extra shifts or social invites. Giving yourself downtime to recharge can ultimately help you be more positive and productive overall.
4. Try to limit distractions
   Aim to limit distractions and focus your time and attention on one task at a time. Although it can be difficult to know when the next call will pull you away, dedicating certain hours in the day to one task at a time – such as checking your phone notifications or setting aside time to put on headphones and decompress after a shift – can help you feel more focused and at ease.
5. Take a break
   Relaxation is the natural countermeasure for stress, so do your best to take breaks to help you refresh and recharge. Even short breaks help improve your mood, performance and well-being. Also, schedule in activities you enjoy. When it comes to taking a break, it doesn’t matter what you do, so much as that you do take the opportunity to rejuvenate. If you do feel intensely stressed, consider using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mediation, yoga or whatever else helps slow your breathing and heart rate to regulate your nervous system and bring you back to equilibrium.
6. Take care of your health
   Even when your schedule heats up, make time for regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating nutritious foods. All of these can help you be more resilient to stress and feel better overall.
7. Reach out
   Having a solid support system among co-workers and loved ones can help you ultimately feel less stressed and be more productive. In a moment of high stress, having someone to listen to what you’re going through can help calm you down or cool off and reset. Plus, maintaining positive friendships generally correlates to mental health and happiness. That’s because healthy friendships can help keep your spirits up, give you a sense of connection, and improve your self-confidence, among other benefits. Take advantage of peer support and free counseling visits through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Get confidential support and speak to someone who gets it and understands the full experience and challenges of being in the fire service.

For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Firefighting is no easy task. The mental struggles that come with the job run as deep as the physical ones. Firefighters experience traumatic stress at high rates, which can weigh on someone day after day in this vital yet demanding job.

Those in the fire service experience much higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population, particularly in the areas of sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and what we’re bringing more awareness to today, suicidal ideation and action.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) estimates that approximately half of all firefighters think about ending their life. In Minnesota, four to six active firefighters die from suicide each year.

In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10, we want to provide reminders about the heightened risks for firefighters, warning signs and how to help yourself or someone you know who may be at risk.

Individual experiences vary, but people who are considering suicide usually report feeling hopeless, worthless, agitated and/or overwhelmed, among other strong emotions. While the feelings the person is going through are intense, they usually are temporary – and treatable with professional help.

Who’s at risk for suicide?

Suicide is a global phenomenon that affects people in all regions of the world. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Each year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide – that’s about one in every 100 deaths. And, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

Situational or chronic mental health disorders are often linked to a person’s suicidal thoughts or attempts. Globally, WHO estimates more than 264 million people of all ages have depression, which also is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a disorder that can lead to suicide. However, not all people with mental illness contemplate suicide. People who do not have a history of mental illness also might consider and attempt suicide.

Risk factors and warning signs

Factors that could put a person at risk for suicide include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Mental illness, particularly depression
• Alcohol or substance use disorder
• Stress and crises, such as financial or legal problems
• Chronic pain or physical illness
• Severe emotional distress, such as from war, conflict, disaster, physical or sexual violence, abuse, loss of a loved one
• Social isolation
• Discrimination, bullying, especially due to gender identity or sexual orientation
• Family history

Most people who die by suicide exhibit verbal and behavioral warning signs before doing so. These may include: talking about wanting to die or threatening to kill oneself, feeling trapped or hopeless or having no reason to live; looking for ways to kill oneself; increasing use of alcohol or drugs; showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; giving away valued possessions, or writing a will; withdrawing from loved ones; sleeping too much or too little; and experiencing extreme mood swings.

Helping someone who’s at risk

Important: If you fear a person is in immediate danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone. Reach out for professional help – contact emergency services, a crisis line, or a health care provider.

If you are concerned a loved one is considering suicide, discreetly let them know of your concern and start a conversation to encourage them to seek professional help from a clinician or a local prevention resource or support group. Listen to what they say, and offer to help them find a resource and/or to go with them as support. From there, keep in touch with them and ask how they’re doing. If need be, reiterate your concern and again encourage them to seek professional help.

Helping yourself cope

Losing someone you care about to suicide can be – in a word – devastating. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, shocked and grief-stricken. It’s also common to feel a host of other emotions, including anger, confusion, guilt, shame and relief. The reality is, there is no right or wrong way to feel because everyone – whoever or wherever they are – experiences loss differently. As hard as it is, in time and with support, you can begin to heal and feel better.

Try to remember you are not alone, and you do not have to go through this alone. Ask for support and accept help from trusted friends and family. Peer supporters who have experienced similar tragedy and stress are also available to listen and provide confidential support.

Especially if you have been unable to complete day-to-day activities, are struggling with difficult emotions, or have felt emotionally numb for several weeks, seek professional help.

We’re here for you.

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any firefighter and/or their family through the free and confidential MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP). No call or inquiry is too small. If something happened on the job or in your life, or if you’re just feeling stressed, we’re here to help.

For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Since it was passed in July 2021, the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) has supported hundreds of peer support calls and visits with mental health providers, trained the majority of the state’s firefighters on their occupational health risks, and has paid out nearly $800,000 in critical illness claims – all at no cost to firefighters, their departments or their communities.

The HHAP dedicates $4 million per year to ensure that every Minnesota firefighter has access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis. It combines three vital elements: an assistance program with expanded emotional trauma resources, an up-to-$20,000 critical illness policy, and ongoing health and wellness training.

In the 12 months since the legislation went into effect, the program has changed – and saved – lives by providing:

• 721 firefighter-focused mental health providers across the state to offer up to five no-cost counseling sessions to firefighters and their families. To date the MnFIRE Assistance Program has facilitated 272 provider visits.
• An expanded network of trained MnFIRE Peer Supporters, which has responded to 430 calls.
• 52 paid Critical Illness claims, totaling $773,000. Illnesses have included full-benefit cancer, COVID-19, post-traumatic stress disorder, skin cancer, other cancer, ALS, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, heart disease, kidney failure, coronary artery disease needing surgery and other mental disorders.
• 512 MnFIRE trainings to 13,929 firefighters.

William Ewald of the St. Bonifacius Fire Department shared how the MnFIRE Assistance Program and Peer Support network have helped him immensely.

“Going into the fire service, every candidate expects to fight fires, but the fact of the matter is we’re 80% medical response and that has a highly emotional response. The emotional aspect was heavy for me,” says William. “I’ve learned how to better manage my stress and get through it so it’s not so impactful on me or my family.”

Christian Worby, a Coon Rapids firefighter battling multiple myeloma, accessed the critical illness benefit this past year.

“This program has allowed me and my family to focus on my treatment rather than worry about our finances due to the cancer diagnosis,” says Christian. “It’s great having the extra financial support. It’s an extra safety net. It’s an expensive deal having a major illness.”

These are just a few of the success stories that have come out of this monumental legislation. So far, we have provided support to firefighters in 85 of Minnesota’s 87 counties.

All active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time – can access the MnFIRE Assistance Program, are automatically enrolled in the Critical Illness insurance policy and can receive training – all at no cost to them.

Receive help for a crisis, find out more information or file a claim by calling 888-784-6634 or visiting our HHAP page.

Since Day 1, William Ewald has fully supported MnFIRE and its mission, especially the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP).

“But I was the absolute last one who thought I would need it because I felt so good,” said William, who is a captain for the St. Bonifacius Fire Department.

When William faced health challenges, the 59-year-old reached out to MnFIRE for help through the HHAP not once, but twice.

“I was a bit in denial at first that I needed this resource … because pride can get in the way,” he said.

But he is glad he moved his pride to the side to accept the resources from the HHAP, the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation that passed through the legislature in 2021. William used two of three components of the HHAP for his health challenges: the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP), which targets emotional health and stress unique to the fire service; and the Critical Illness Program, an insurance policy which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac or other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses.

“It’s resources available for us in our time of need after we have helped others in their time of need,” William said. “Because sometimes we need the help.”

William has also participated in the third component of the HHAP: training, which provides free education to fire service members across the state about health risks facing firefighters.

All HHAP resources are free to all active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time.

Using MAP: A Call for Help

William first reached out for help after a tough medical call involving a 5-year-old girl, who William said reminded him of his granddaughter.

“Going into the fire service, every candidate expects to fight fires, but the fact of the matter is we’re 80% medical response and that has a highly emotional response,” William said. “The emotional aspect was heavy for me.”

So he called the MnFIRE hotline number.

“All of us at St. Boni have the number programed into our phone,” William said. “But as the phone rang, I hung up because I was too scared to talk. (The MnFIRE Peer Support program director) called me back in minutes.”

William and the peer support director talked through the scenario William had just experienced. After the call, the director texted to reassure William that she and others through MnFIRE, will always answer the call and be there for help.

“That was a meaningful day,” William said. “We continue to encounter those tough scenarios, but through MnFIRE I learned how to better manage my stress so it’s not so impactful on me and my family. (The MnFIRE Peer Support program director) coached me through how to cope and get through the process.”

Using the Critical Illness Program: A Cancer Diagnosis

As a firefighter, William knew his chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis was higher than most people. But it still was a shock to learn in June he has prostate cancer.

“What followed was my strongest support system of the people I met through MnFIRE,” William said. “Emails they sent me were overwhelmingly supportive, encouraging and optimistic. They were engaged in the process, to help with resources and guide how MNFIRE could help with a cancer diagnosis.”

MnFIRE helped William walk through the process of applying for the Critical Illness program.

“I opened the MnFIRE website and pushed the ‘Apply Now’ button,” William said. “I thought, ‘It cannot be this easy.’”

Within five minutes, William had the online paperwork filled out and other paperwork ready for his oncologist to fill out. The process from applying to having the money in his bank account took 10 days.

“It’s that simple,” William said. “I thought it would take months. This is really good legislation.”

The money went to use right away in a variety of ways, including paying the family’s maximum out-of-pocket insurance expenses.

“A PET scan alone is $28,000, and I will need three of those,” William said. “This (Critical Illness program) gives you the comfort knowing you’re already managing cancer. You don’t need to focus on resources, and this allows you to focus on recovering without worrying about your copay. It brought unexpected relief we hadn’t counted on.”

William had surgery the week of Aug. 8 and is working on the recovery process before easing back into work on light duty. He is optimistic for the future, in part due to MnFIRE and the HHAP. For other firefighters hesitant to reach out for help, William shares encouragement.

“Make the call and have that initial courageous conversation,” he said. “The support, resources, encouragement and how much they care and stay engaged will be uplifting even in your darkest hours. It’s a tremendous and valuable resource we all need to use.”

To learn more about accessing these life-changing resources for yourself or a loved one, visit our Hometown Heroes Assistance Program page or call 888-784-6634.