Caring for the Caregiver
Caring for the Caregivers: Mental Health Challenges Among First Responders and Medical Professionals
Before you read any further, think of a time in your life that was scary, traumatic or overwhelming. The average adult, outside of the death of a parent, experiences one traumatic event in a lifetime. One. First Responders are there for all of those “One” events.
When we think of first responders and medical professionals, we often picture strength, resilience, and compassion in action. These are the people who run toward emergencies, sit with families through difficult moments, and provide steady hands when life feels uncertain. But behind the uniforms and the professional roles, they are also human beings. And like anyone else, they can be deeply affected by the stress, long hours, and emotional weight of their work.
Research has shown that first responders—firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers, and even 911 dispatchers—face higher risks of mental health struggles compared to the general population. Their jobs regularly place them in situations of trauma, danger, and loss. Over time, this can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, or even thoughts of suicide. One national study found that EMS workers are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than people in other fields, and firefighters and law enforcement officers also have higher suicide rates than the general population (SAMHSA, 2018; CDC, 2021).
The same is true in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings. Physicians, nurses, and support staff often carry heavy caseloads, long shifts, and the emotional responsibility of caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. In fact, burnout among nurses and doctors has become a widespread concern. A 2023 study found that nearly 9 in 10 nurses reported feeling burned out, and many also reported anxiety, depression, or exhaustion as part of their daily experience (National Library of Medicine, 2023). For female physicians especially, suicide risk has been found to be significantly higher than in the general population (Northeastern University, 2025).
What’s important to remember is that these numbers don’t reflect weakness—they reflect the reality of carrying so much, often without enough rest or emotional support. First responders and healthcare providers are trained to focus on others, which can make it harder to admit when they need help. Stigma, fear of professional consequences, or simply the “push through it” culture can get in the way of seeking support.
The good news is that things are beginning to shift. More agencies and medical organizations are creating peer support programs, offering confidential counseling, and opening up conversations about mental wellness. Research suggests that when people in these fields feel safe to talk about what they’re going through, they’re more likely to get the help they need—and less likely to feel isolated.
As social workers, therapists, and wellness professionals, we have an important role in this conversation. Supporting first responders and healthcare workers means not only offering compassionate care but also advocating for systemic changes—reasonable shifts, adequate staffing, and spaces where seeking support is seen as a strength.
At the heart of it all, the message we want these professionals to hear is simple: you are not alone. Just as you show up for others, you deserve the space, care, and compassion to heal and thrive yourself.
Shared in the Inspired Practice LLC Oct. Newsletter.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Suicides Among First Responders.
National Library of Medicine (2023). Burnout and Mental Health in Healthcare Workers.
Northeastern University (2025). Study on Suicide Risk Among Physicians.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2018). First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns,Emergency Response, and Trauma.