Mental Health Issues Of Firefighters: An Exploration

Table of Contents

Teamwork

Shift work

Second Job stress

Personality Attributes/humanitarian Motives

Psychological Wellbeing

Professional firefighters play a crucial role in society. Because of the stress, danger and lack of control involved in the job, professional firefighters are a unique profession. The professional firefighters are prone to many psychological and physical issues, which is why they constitute the majority of research. The reality is that firefighters are exposed to a lot of trauma in their work and this can lead to mental and physical issues.

Shiftworkers, especially those who rotate shifts of 8 hours (e.g. morning/night), often experience fatigue, sleep disturbance, and accidents. Many fire departments have a rotating schedule that includes a 10 hour day and a 14-hour night. This is in addition to the standard 3 8-hour rotating shifts. Even though extended rotating hours do not increase health risks beyond the 8 hour standard shift, night-shift firefighters tend to be more fatigued, less alert, and depressed. Working time predicts impaired alertness more than any other factor. Researchers have found that sleep deprivation can lead to PTSD, depression, and other mental disorders. PTSD, as well as depression, are found to be higher among firefighters and rescuers who have experienced human tragedies. Due to their experience, experienced firefighters are more exposed to disasters. There is a positive linear correlation between the number of years spent as a firefighter, and the levels of depression and traumatic stresses. It was found that the level and variance in workload, conflict within groups, self-esteem, social supports, and role ambiguity all predicted depressive symptoms. The link between job strain and depression and increased cardiovascular mortality has been proven time and again. In fact, the risk for firefighters is four times that of other first-responders. Depressive symptoms are a good way to start understanding mental health issues in this population, and prevent adverse health events. Also, depression and stress-susceptibility may lead to suicidal behaviour, or have an impact on alcohol intake.

Alcohol consumption can reduce anxiety. Alcohol consumption can become a dangerous behavior. The firefighter is at risk when drinking alcohol in a hazardous manner. The drinking habits of individuals and their social network are highly correlated. This is especially true for firefighters who have been working together for long periods. In populations with similar characteristics (e.g. Military men can have a heavy drinking habit of up to 67%, while women are only 9%. Women also drink more than men.

Team WorkThe concept is deeply rooted within firefighters. Brotherhood, according to firefighters, is an ancient, universal, historical ideal, characterized as being characterized by loyalty, unspoken trust, love, and respect. It also involves establishing close connections and relationships. Firefighters establish close relationships and bonds as a consequence of working and living together in the same firehouse.

Shift workFirefighters often have long, boring shifts. They may also be sleep-deprived, but they are still able to perform their duties. Many shift workers are at risk of stress-related disorders, according to research.

Second Job stressDue to low wages and long periods off duty, between 25 and 40 percent of firefighters work a second job. Second job stress can have a negative impact on firefighters. Karasek (1998) identified ‘firemens’ as employees with a low control/high demand occupation. They were subjected repeatedly to demands while having little choice. High demand/lowcontrol characteristics of jobs can be associated with reduced job satisfaction. They also increase exhaustion. Workers with high demands and low control may not perform at their best and are more susceptible to burnout and stress.

Personality Attributes/humanitarian MotivesThere is evidence of self imposed internal conflicts among firefighters that appear to be a combination of personality traits and denial of the need for assistance. Mitchell (1990), an expert in emergency services (including paramedics and firefighter), identified twelve personality traits that are likely to contribute to the accumulation of stress. They include: the need for control, the desire to save, and seeking stimulation, novelty, and risk. They are also driven by compulsive behavior and obsessive perfection.

Mental HealthFirefighting staff may exhibit increased psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite and fear after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic experience. These symptoms may lead to an increase in psychiatric disorders and require professional assistance. The daily demands and occupational stressors of firefighters can be overwhelming as they attempt to balance their lifesaving work with family obligations. Although they are exposed to stress on a daily basis, we know little about their coping mechanisms.

The quality of their lives can be significantly affected by the emotional distress of fire fighters. It can also lead to psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress. The present research was a study of the mental problems faced by Indian firefighters in Haryana. 100 firefighter were assessed in relation to depression, anger, manias, anxiety, somatic, suicidal and psychotic issues, sleep, memory, repetitive, dissociative, personality, and substance abuse. SPSS must be used to analyze data in detail. The present sample of firefighters (n =100) scored highly on dimensions of anxiety and depression, as well as substance abuse.

The study indicates that mental health among fire fighters are at high risk. In addition to group counseling, one-onone sessions with mental healthcare professionals can help improve mental state and reduce the impact of stressors. It is surprising that there are so few studies done on this research topic in comparison with the vast research on mental healthcare. And, even fewer studies have been conducted on firefighters in India. Research on firefighter is rarer than on mental illness. The research in this field is lacking, so the current study focused on mental health issues for fire fighters to better understand the situation.