Breaking the Silence: Reducing Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in the First Responder Community
By: Allyson Goetz, LCMCHA
"Going to therapy is a lot like going to the gym: one builds physical strength,
while the other builds mental resilience."
Why does going to the doctor for a physical injury feel like second nature, yet seeking counseling for a difficult life event feels like a sign of failure? The truth is, attending therapy is shrouded in a stigma applied by society. Historically, a narrative of mental health needs equating to ‘weakness’ has been perpetuated, especially within the responder community. In recent years, however, there is a noticeable shift, with clinicians, responders, and civilians actively working to break down the stigma, inviting in a healthier approach to mental wellness. While major steps have been taken to reverse this narrative, there is still work to be done. Below are several ways that anyone can help reduce the stigma of accessing mental healthcare in their communities (Greenstein, 2017).
1. SPEAK candidly about the importance of mental wellness A big part of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is to get talking about it! Check-in with a friend, hang up a poster in the break room about the importance of self-care, read a book about wellness strategies and share it with co-workers…the opportunities are endless. The most important thing is to demonstrate to others that it’s okay to talk about mental health, and sometimes that means starting the conversation!
2. REFRAIN from engaging in internalized stigma Reducing the stigma around mental health starts with each of us. Often, we are toughest on ourselves, expecting more from our personal endurances than those around us. Self-stigma often shows up as thoughts in the back of our minds, such as “How is everyone else handling this well, but I’m not?”. Gentle reminders to ourselves that acknowledging a struggle does not equate to being “less than” others, but rather we are all impacted by different exposures on different levels, can help combat these thought patterns. At the end of the day, we cannot expect ourselves to have success in our mental health journey without providing the same understanding and compassion we readily offer others.
3. PROVIDE accessible support…make it easy! One of the greatest obstacles to seeking mental health services is often a difficulty in finding the right fit. By taking the guesswork out of finding support, individuals are much more likely to take the first step. Advertising peer support, partnering with trauma-informed counseling practices, and hosting in-services are great ways to make it “easy” to find the help that may be needed. When someone decides they are ready to take the next step in their wellness journey, having the tools waiting for them is the greatest assurance that they will follow through.
4. REFRAME the narrative Instead of looking at seeking support for mental health as a sign of weakness, reframe it as a sign of mental toughness. Being proactive in mental wellness helps promote longevity in a field with frequent trauma exposure. In order to take care of others well, sometimes we have to prioritize taking care of ourselves. Viewing counseling as "strength training" for the mind ensures you stay sharp and ready for the next call. Embracing vulnerability in a safe space is actually a display of courage that can reinforce professional resilience.
There has never been a more important time to shift our focus towards the mental wellbeing of those in our community. Building resilience is key to maintaining a healthy career in public safety, promoting longevity and effectiveness. One of the best ways to do this is through taking a proactive approach to mental health. By taking care of ourselves and looking out for others, we can promote healing, while reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health today.
Greenstein, L. (2017, October 11). 9 ways to fight mental health stigma. NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/blog/9-ways-to-fight-mental-health-stigma/
