Step Above Stigma First Responder's Mental Health
Step Above Stigma is a Canadian registered charity aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental health. First responders are volunteers and professionals who dedicate their lives to public service. First responders and emergency response workers are the people who help protect and heal others in their time of need. Through their work are exposed to various mental and physical challenges that can wear on them for years. 45% of first responders are diagnosed with 1 or more mental health disorders compared to 10% of the general population (OFRF, 2022). Despite the high rates of mental health disorders amongst first responders, they are often reluctant to seek out mental health services because of the stigma associated with mental health issues within their workplace culture (Gollom, 2014).
The Covid-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health crisis amongst first responders. Throughout the pandemic, the continual exposure to traumatic situations has had dramatic adverse effects on the mental health of first responders.
This April, Step Above Stigma is highlighting the experiences of first responders and raising money for The Ottawa First Responders Foundation. OFRF recognizes the stigma associated with mental health amongst first responders and aims to be proactive rather than reactive in their approach to first responders mental health. OFRF helps first responders and their families develop resiliency, how to identify warning signs and what to do when someone needs help.
Step Above Stigma will be raising money for ORFR from April 3rd-23rd, 2022. For every $5 raised, a member of the Step Above Stigma team will walk, run, bike or swim 1km and be entered into a draw to win some amazing prizes!
To hear more about this campaign and hear the first-hand experiences of first responders, please visit Step Above Stigma’s Instagram @stepabovestigma
References
Organizer
Step Above Stigma
Organizer
Kingston, ON
Ottawa First Responders Foundation
Beneficiary