First responders have a greater risk of experiencing mental health symptoms, PTSD, and an increased risk of suicide than the general population. It is vital for people with careers in the public safety sector to talk about mental health and wellness and to access support when they need it.
Below are some mental health and wellness resources for public safety workers and students. You are encouraged to explore the supports available to you.
If you need immediate crisis support please see Crisis Lines & Resources.
Online Resources
- Offers tools and resources to promote mental wellness in first responders.
- Provides a wealth of knowledge for public safety research and treatment.
- Offers to help identify areas of imbalance regarding mental health.
- Provides resources and services for first responders to understand PTSD and the steps of PTSD programs.
- Committed to developing specialised services for both first responders and healthcare providers.
- Provides and a .
- A multi-agency committee that works to promote positive mental health and provide mental health and wellness education, training, and support to first responders, their loved ones, and their communities.
- Helps identify what healthy coping looks like and the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns.
- An extensive list of resources to promote positive health and wellbeing for first responders.
- Explains the common risk factors that affect first responders.
- Links to self-assessment tools that can help identify areas of imbalance in one's wellness and mental health.
- Offers helpful emotional wellness strategies to first responders.
- A guide for loved ones on how to emotionally support first responders.
- A multi-agency committee that works to promote positive mental health and provide mental health and wellness education, training, and support to first responders, their loved ones, and their communities.
- Provide(s) health care services to people with complex needs, including severe and persistent mental health and substance misuse issues.
- Includes information on mental health & substance misuse, and offers helpful coping strategies and resources.
- Connects you to local support.
- Shares health research about firefighters by a team of researchers and firefighters.
- Provides 24/7 health advice, including mental health advice, that is given by trained professionals.
- Speak to an RN (24 hours) or a pharmacist, exercise professional, or dietician (during select hours) about your health-related concerns.
- A non-profit organisation that offers coping strategies, self-assessments, resources, and support for those affected by PTSD and those caring for loved ones with PTSD.
- A local grassroots movement founded by paramedic Lisa Jennings that educates on PTSD and how it affects first responders and offers support online to first responders and frontline workers.
- A resource list with supports specific for first responders.
- Vancouver Fire Rescue Service provides information about coping with critical incidents and stress.
Online Tip Sheets
- Offers helpful immediate, short-term, and long-term strategies for managing anger.
- Describes what mindfulness is, what it looks like, and explains the benefits of practicing mindfulness.
- Explains what PTSD is and offers helpful tips on coping with PTSD and supporting a loved one who is affected by PTSD.
- Explains what stress is and offers helpful strategies on coping with stress.
- Explains what to do if you are concerned about your own or a loved one's substance misuse.
- Offers helpful strategies on how to create a healthy work-life balance at work, at home, and in your community.
Videos
- Contains videos that discuss the stress response, self-talk, & balancing home-work life that were created with first responders in mind.
- Occupational Awareness Series
- Family Resilience Perspective Series
- Occupational Awareness Series
Suicide Prevention Resources
In the news: First Responders and mental health in Canada
Includes data on first responders