The Brave Men and Women Who Answer Our Calls for Help
At Rooted Therapies, our heart has always been rooted right here in North Port. From the very beginning, it has been my vision to create a place where our community could receive exceptional mental health care close to home. Our goal has always been to give back to the very people who give so much of themselves. The North Port first responders serve this community day in and day out, tirelessly, selflessly, and with a commitment that deserves to be met with the same care and dedication they offer others. For years, we have hoped to collaborate with them in a way that supports both their service and their wellbeing.
Every day, the brave men and women of North Port’s first responder teams show up to protect, serve, and keep others safe. Their courage runs deep, but so do the unseen emotional burdens they often carry. As a local practice, our heart has always been to serve those who serve us to find meaningful ways to give back to the people who give so much of themselves.
The first responders in our city work tirelessly, showing up on the hardest days of others’ lives, often without pause for their own emotional well-being. Our desire has long been to collaborate with them, offering support for the invisible weight they bear. We believe mental health care is community care and just as they show up for us in moments of crisis, they deserve a space where they can exhale, where their stories are honored, their hearts are heard, and their healing truly matters.
The men and women who answer our calls for help carry burdens most of us never see. Research shows that up to 30 percent of first responders experience behavioral health challenges such as depression and , compared to about 20 percent in the general population (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA, 2018).
These are the people who run toward danger when others turn away, yet many struggle in silence with the emotional weight of what they witness.
First responders face unique barriers when it comes to seeking mental health support. The same culture that builds courage and resilience can also make it difficult to reach out for help. What I have seen again and again is how stigma creates a cycle that keeps people hurting quietly. The very individuals who pour themselves out for others often hesitate to ask for what they need (National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI, 2022).
At Rooted Therapies in North Port Florida, our trauma informed work with individuals and families navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and burnout, including first responders who carry the invisible weight of their service. Sessions are confidential and built around creating safety and connection.
Recovery is possible. Hope exists. You do not have to carry this alone.
The Mental Health Burden of First Responders
Every call brings a story of suffering. Every scene leaves a mark. First responders experience trauma most people will never encounter, and the emotional impact often lingers long after a shift ends (Carleton et al., 2019).
The statistics are sobering. Research suggests that depression rates among first responders are nearly five times higher than in the general population (Petrie et al., 2018). Even more heartbreaking, more firefighters and police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty (Ruderman Family Foundation, 2018).
This toll can appear in many forms:
- Sleepless nights and recurring memories that will not quiet down
- Compassion fatigue from constant exposure to pain
- Relationships strained by stress and emotional exhaustion
Mental health professionals use the term moral injury to describe the deep psychological wounds that form when a person witnesses or participates in events that violate their core values, even while fulfilling their duty (Litz et al., 2009).
If this feels familiar, please know this truth. Courage in the field can be matched with courage in seeking support. Research continues to show that evidence based treatments, such as trauma focused therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness based interventions, can significantly reduce symptoms of trauma and depression in first responder populations (Haugen et al., 2017).
You are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.
Breaking the Silence and Reducing the Stigma
The silence surrounding mental health in first responder communities runs deep. When your profession demands composure and strength under pressure, acknowledging emotional pain can feel like failure. That belief keeps too many people from getting the support that could save their lives (NAMI, 2022).
“I thought asking for help meant I couldn’t handle my job,” shared one North Port firefighter. “Now I realize it has made me better at what I do.”
His honesty reflects what so many feel but rarely voice. The fear is not only about personal weakness. It is about identity, reputation, and belonging. When mental health goes untreated, the impact touches families, colleagues, and communities.
One thing we have learned at Rooted Therapies is that peer influence is powerful. When one responder speaks openly about healing, others listen (Joyce et al., 2019). Every conversation matters. Every story opens the door for someone else to take that same step toward help.
This month’s Behind the Badge and Beyond the Stigma podcast shares real stories from local first responders who have found their path toward wellness. You may hear pieces of your own story in theirs.
Change is happening. Departments across the country are beginning to prioritize emotional wellness, recognizing that strong mental health supports every part of the mission. Our North Port therapy team is proud to be part of a community that believes mental health is human health.
Conclusion
Our first responders carry far more than their gear. They carry the emotional weight of every call, every tragedy, and every life they touch. These are the people who show up for us on our hardest days, and far too often, they struggle in silence because of outdated beliefs about what it means to be strong.
It is time to redefine strength. Asking for help is not weakness, it is courage in action. When first responders and their families prioritize mental health, they often find renewed purpose, stronger relationships, and a sense of peace that extends far beyond the uniform (Haugen et al., 2017).
At Rooted Therapies, our heart is to meet people with compassion, evidence based care, and a safe place to grow. Healing is not just possible, it is real, and it is happening right here in our community.
Your story matters. Your healing matters. And your courage to begin might help someone else find theirs.
If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out. Book an appointment. Share this message. Listen to our Behind the Badge and Beyond the Stigma podcast episode to hear stories of recovery and resilience.
Those who show up for us deserve to be met with the same compassion, care, and commitment.
FAQs
Q1. How common are mental health issues among first responders? Mental health issues are significantly more prevalent among first responders compared to the general population. Studies show that up to 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as depression and PTSD, compared to 20% in the general population.
Q2. What are some unique mental health challenges faced by first responders? First responders often experience chronic sleep disturbances, compassion fatigue, relationship difficulties, and moral injury due to their exposure to traumatic events and the nature of their work. They also face higher rates of depression and suicide compared to the general population.
Q3. Why is there a stigma around seeking mental health support in the first responder community? The culture of strength and stoicism in first responder professions often leads to viewing vulnerability as weakness. Many fear that seeking help could be seen as an inability to handle their job or could potentially threaten their career, creating a barrier to accessing needed support.
Q4. What types of mental health support are available for first responders? Support options for first responders include individual therapy with trauma-informed specialists, peer support groups led by former first responders, family counseling, and crisis intervention services. Many communities also offer specialized counseling centers and 24/7 hotlines specifically for first responders.
Q5. How can seeking mental health support benefit first responders? First responders who access specialized mental health services often report improved job satisfaction, significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, better job performance, improved relationships, and an enhanced quality of life. Seeking help is increasingly recognized as a sign of strength that can lead to both personal and professional growth.
References
Carleton R N Afifi T O Turner S Taillieu T Duranceau S LeBouthillier D M and Ricciardelli R 2019. Mental disorder symptoms among public safety personnel in Canada. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743718788020
Haugen P T Evces M and Weiss D S 2017. Treating posttraumatic stress disorder in first responders: A systematic review.Clinical Psychology Review, 52, 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.09.003
Joyce S Shand F Bryant R A Lal T J and Harvey S B 2019. Mindfulness based resilience training in the workplace for first responders: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(9), 665–671. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001661
Karaffa K M and Tochkov K 2013. Attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment among police officers. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, 9(2), 75–99.
Litz B T Stein N Delaney E Lebowitz L Nash W P Silva C and Maguen S 2009. Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(8), 695–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2009.07.003
National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI 2022. First responders and mental health. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-Professionals
Petrie K Milligan Saville J S Gayed A Deady M Phelps A Dell L and Harvey S B 2018. Prevalence of PTSD and common mental disorders in emergency service workers: A meta analysis. Psychological Medicine, 48(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717000079
Ruderman Family Foundation 2018. The Ruderman white paper on mental health and suicide of first responders.https://rudermanfoundation.org/white_papers/police-officers-firefighters-more-likely-to-die-by-suicide-than-in-line-of-duty/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA 2018. First responders: Behavioral health concerns, emergency response, and trauma. United States Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov