Albany, Georgia (WALB)-First responders see almost every emergency they can imagine. For example, when a house burns down or is seriously injured, it is the most desperate moment for people.

That’s why Albany’s professional firefighters have created support groups to capture external resources.

Professional firefighter vice president Stephen Gilmer said that first responder jobs are one of the best jobs, but there are plenty of mental health triggers.

“There are many rewards to that, but one of the things they don’t teach in training or school is the fact that one day you come across something that has a psychological impact,” he said. rice field. “At the firefighter level, much of what we see is that people are losing everything. Many of them put a strain on us.”

Professional Fire Fighters plans to expand its support group with more training courses and external resources.(WALB)

Gilmer said his organization believes it needs mental health support, especially in South Georgia.

He himself experienced a resource shortage through an employee assistance program offered by the fire department.

“The fact that there was no real outsourcing of how to get out and express emotions. Many people pack everything inside,” he said. “They try to treat it in their own way, with isolation, alcohol, narcotics, or whatever they can to relieve the image of the mind or the depression they are suffering from.

Gilmer wants support groups to mitigate mental health problems throughout the first responder community.(WALB)

Gilmer added that studies would reveal that 70-80% of first responders would reveal more about mental health issues if local support groups were available.

First Responder Support Alliance provides peer mental support and external professional mental health providers. We also partner with out-of-state mental health facilities in case first responders do not receive sufficient support locally.

Jennifer King, a professionally licensed counselor, has worked with us for seven years and has seen first-hand how mental health affects first responders.

“They just need help because they see some horrifying things and are dying for the community,” she said.

King said many issues cause mental health problems, such as how quickly first responders can talk to professional therapists.

“One of the biggest issues is availability and quick response when needed. Using this program to bring counselors gives first responders immediate help. I hope, “she says. ..

In addition to lack of resources, King also said that toxic masculinity also plays a role in first responders who are silent on mental health issues.

King works with other therapists to take care of first responders through support groups.(WALB)

“I think it’s a stigma about mental health. It has nothing to do with how tough you are or how good you are at your job. This is really necessary for the community, especially first responders. I think it’s a good resource, “she said.

Gilmer said he hopes that Dougherty and the first responders in the surrounding countries will speak with confidence and seek help.

“We aim to give first responders an opportunity to open their hearts without fear of admitting that they are struggling,” he said.

The support group’s first mental health course training will take place on June 18th from 10am to 2pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.

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