Fire Fighter Depression

Firefighters routinely confront scenes most can only imagine.

Firefighters are at high risk for depressive illness secondary to their routine exposure to emotional traumas inherent in their line of work. Secondary factors can include lack of administrative and supervisory support and the availability of familial and other extra-departmental support.

Depression is Common with PTSD

Depressive symptoms are frequently associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur in anyone following an emotionally disturbing or threatening event.

Routine Exposure to Traumatic Events

Firefighters and other emergency service workers commonly experience scenes that most people would consider traumatic, such as murder, domestic violence and grisly accidents.

Higher Incidence in Firefighters

An often-cited statistic is that approximately 9.5 percent of Americans will experience significant depression in any given year. A study of German firefighters reported in "The American Journal of Psychiatry" demonstrated an 18.2 percent rate of PTSD with its associated illnesses, including depression.

More Stress Equals More Depression

Traumatic stress is a solid predictor of depression.

Specific Risks

Longer job experience and the number of recent exposures to potentially traumatic events are risk factors for PTSD and depression in firefighters.

Peer Counseling

A New York City firefighter, Jimmy Brown, is developing a peer counseling program to help firefighters and police officers better cope with stress and depression.

References

• The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, Individual Predictors of Traumatic Reactions in Firefighters
• Journal of Urban Health, Depressive Symptoms among Firefighters and Related Factors after the Response to Hurricane Katrina
• WebMD, Anxiety & Panic Disorders Health Center, PTSD and Depression -- Overview
• International Assoc. of Fire Fighters, Reactions to Traumatic Stress
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Prtners in Behavioral Health Sciences, Depression

Resources

• American Psychological Association, Monitor on Psychology, Men and depression