Building Resilience: A Discussion about Suicide Prevention in the Wildland Fire Community

Behavioral Health Officers serving wildland fire personnel with the Interior and Agriculture departments visit the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. Photo by Interior.

BY VANESSA GOOSEN AND ERIN MCDUFF

Wildland firefighters work in incredibly stressful environments that can have significant impacts on their health and wellbeing, including their mental health. The Interior and Agriculture departments established the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program to provide support tailored to the unique experiences and needs of our firefighters.

One resource the program offers is a cadre of Behavioral Health Officers who provide a first point of contact for federal and tribal wildland fire personnel. These members of the U.S. Public Health Service serve as an information hub on topics related to mental health, providing personalized employee consultations and help navigating available resources, as well as training for firefighting crews.

During Suicide Prevention Month this September, we are sharing a conversation with Behavioral Health Officer Vanessa Goosen on firefighter mental health, suicide prevention, and the resources that are available to help.

What are some of the most important things wildland firefighters should know about mental health?

Wildland firefighters are really smart about how they approach their work. I want them to look at their mental health in the same way. Just as fuels management is critical to reduce wildfire risk, we also want to prevent mental health challenges whenever possible. Similar to how rapid initial attack helps prevent new wildfires from escalating, early intervention helps keep mental health challenges from getting worse.

It's never too late to ask for help, but it’s best to start early.

What do we know about suicide among the wildland fire community?

Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of research on this topic yet. Anecdotally, many wildland firefighters tell us they have been impacted by a suicide within the community.

What we do know right now is what we learned from a 2021 survey that included over 2,600 current, former, and retired wildland firefighters. They reported experiencing symptoms consistent with mental health disorders, which can be risk factors for suicide, at a rate that is 2.5 to 4 times higher than the general population.

Do you think the culture around wildland firefighter mental health is changing?

Folks are telling me that the culture is changing, and they’re glad this moment is finally here. Across the wildland fire community, there is now a strong interest in talking about mental health.

It’s incredibly important to have support from all levels to achieve a cultural change, but especially from those in positions of influence. One example I’ve seen is leaders are now modeling the concept of taking care of your own health, including mental health. They’re sharing personal stories and talking about how they’ve benefitted from going to therapy. I think that speaks to how the culture has shifted.

What are some concrete steps wildland firefighters can take to improve their mental health?

Do something to improve your mental health every single day. Don’t wait until you feel distressed.

Start by figuring out what it looks like when you are in a good place with each of the markers for mental health: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social connection.

I also encourage you to think about your unhealthy coping habits. We all have some. For example, we know that certain types of alcohol use can make  mental health worse. We also know from the 2021 survey that wildland firefighters are more likely to binge drink. Reversing an unhealthy habit like this can be a challenge, but there’s support available to help.

What do you want someone who is struggling right now to know?

I want them to know that they can call, text, or chat with someone from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7. You do not have to be experiencing thoughts of suicide to contact the lifeline. It’s a great resource when you’re experiencing elevated stress or anxiety as well.

I want all federal and tribal wildland fire personnel to know that a Behavioral Health Officer serves your region. Save their contact information in your phone. Give us a call if you’re ever wondering what to do about a specific experience.

I also want federal and tribal personnel to know about the Wildland Fire Therapy Service. It’s a significant new resource offered by the Interior and Agriculture departments. It provides up to 16 free therapy sessions per year. Everyone should save that number: 1-800-424-4051.

If someone is worried about a friend or colleague, what can they do?

You can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on behalf of someone you’re concerned about. They can guide you through what to do.

You should also learn about the available non-emergency resources so you can help any colleagues who are struggling find support.

In looking to the future of wildland firefighter mental health, what brings you hope?

The strong support for health and wellbeing from leadership and across all levels of the wildland fire community brings me hope. That is what led to the establishment of the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program, the Wildland Fire Therapy Service, and more initiatives that are being developed now.

This workforce has such a strong sense of community and resilience. People take the mission seriously, but they also have a strong sense of care for each other. Because of those strengths, we know we have the tools we need to improve mental health. That brings me a lot of hope.

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline.

Multiple non-emergency resources are also available through the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program when you need mental health support. Different services may be appropriate at different stages of your career and for different needs.

Behavioral Health Officers (BHOs) can provide training and help guide you in locating mental health resources available through multiple employee programs and your local community.

Mental Health Programs offered by Interior Department bureaus can help you navigate available resources and provide training to your team.

The Employee Assistance Program can provide you and eligible family members with free support with short-term life stress, work challenges, or relationship issues through confidential counseling.

The Wildland Fire Therapy Service can provide mid- to long-term therapy at no cost to address acute stress, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use stemming from working in wildland fire.

Federal Employee Health Benefits or other health insurance is a great resource when you require a medical evaluation, medication consultation, or a higher level of treatment like intensive outpatient therapy or inpatient care.

Vanessa Goosen is the Behavioral Health Officer with the U.S. Public Health Service. She is currently serving the wildland fire workforce at the Interior and Agriculture departments in the Pacific Northwest region. Vanessa has served in the uniformed service since 2002, with deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq. She has a doctorate in psychology.

Erin McDuff is a public affairs specialist serving Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire.