In the past two weeks, three firefighters in the Massachusetts fire service took their own lives: Brian Snow from the Quincy fire department, Kyle Machado from the Taunton fire department, and William Shields from the Marshfield fire department. These deaths are a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and of the heavy toll that first response workers carry.
At Trinity Wellness Group, we extend deep, and very sincere, condolences to the families, friends, and communities that have lost wonderful men.
We also emphasize to anyone struggling with mental health that they are not alone. That they matter and that help is always within reach. Especially to the brave people working in the first responder industry — we don’t just appreciate you, we see you. From the valiant moments to the vulnerable ones, we care about you.
The Mental Weight of First Response
Firefighters face risks in so many forms: from extreme heat and smoke inhalation to life-threatening mental health disorders. In fact, one study showed that more than 50% of firefighters may be at risk for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or alcohol use disorder [1]. Elsewhere, we learn that a third of first responders feel stigmatized due to their mental health difficulties, and nearly 10% have encountered barriers to getting help for mental health [2].
First responders work daily in a high-stress environment. Workers often witness traumatic events, have disrupted sleeping and eating routines, and can easily become withdrawn from their support networks because of long, inconsistent shift work. While they do invaluable work for society, they can suffer silently.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. First responders, firefighters, and human beings deserve more. Every life is worthy of support, and in light of the losses of Snow, Machado, and Shields, we need to promote and act on that truth more than ever.
Tools to Help Carry the Load
To the fire service in Massachusetts and every other state: you’re never alone. There are spaces, people, and paths to recovery, and they’re all within your reach. Whether speaking to family and friends, requesting time off, or seeking structured care, there are more options to help than you may know.
In Massachusetts, crisis resources you can use include:
Call or text (free) 833-773-2445 or chat online. Care is free, confidential, available in over 200 languages, and doesn’t require health insurance.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat to licensed counselors. Care is free and confidential.
- McLean LEADER Program
A team of physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and counselors at McLean hospital specifically serving men and women in uniform.
24/7 crisis referral line for emergency services personnel. All the Safe Call Now team are current or previous first responders.
Join in-person support groups and access a range of mental health resources.
The Masked Face of Mental Health
We know that knowledge gaps can fuel poor mental health among first responders. Perhaps you’ve been feeling down but resign it to lack of sleep, or you have some unexplained body aches that you attribute to physical overexertion. Knowing the symptoms of dwindling mental health can be the first step to getting life-saving care.
If you or any of your teammates resonate with the following symptoms, that’s a sign to have an honest conversation with yourself and others about how things are going, and what you need right now:
- Sudden irritability
- Cynicism about the impact of your work
- Mood swings
- Withdrawal from hobbies and interests
- Isolation from friends and family
- Emotional numbness
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intrusive thoughts
- Hypervigilance
- Using drugs or alcohol
Strength Comes in Numbers
Protecting mental health also requires awareness and input from the people around you. For first responders, tending to mental health can feel like another task to do, at times when they simply don’t have the space or energy.
We ask that the people surrounding first responders pay extra attention to behavioral shifts that can go undetected but speak volumes. These include:
- Emotional outbursts
- Changes in energy and motivation
- Difficulty engaging with things that once bought them joy
- Missing important events
- Saying things that seem out of character
- Dramatic weight loss/gain
- Reluctance to talk about work or traumatic events
First responders aren’t the only people with a duty of care — it falls on all of us to shield and support those who keep us safe in so many ways. The tragic absence of Snow, Machado, and Shields is a reminder that not being OK is a reality and that seeking support has to be an option.
Call someone today. Ask how they are. Ask them again.
By listening, we can all save lives.
If you or someone you know is in need of structured mental health support, we have flexible mental health programs at our center in Braintree, Massachusetts. We offer care specifically tailored to first responders. We are discreet, we work with empathy, and we are committed to helping people truly feel better.
