While awareness about mental health issues in the workplace has increased over the years, there is still a lot of stigma attached to it. Firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, 911 operators, health care workers and military personnel experience traumas and stressors on the job that are unlike those seen in most other occupations.
It’s not surprising, therefore, that recent research has shown that these workers are at higher risk of mental health injuries. These factors can have an immediate detrimental impact on some individuals; for others, the negative effects build up over weeks, months, or even years.
It’s important to note that those who have mental health conditions or experience symptoms can still have positive outcomes if they have the right support from family, friends, and their workplace.
The mission of the Heroes Project is to actively promote positive mental health and reduce work-related mental health injuries by providing the awareness and resources that first responders, their communities, and leaders need.