Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Fixable Problem

It’s a commonly repeated phrase when discussing suicide: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” But for many first responders who routinely face personal trauma and the trauma of others, the problem is far from temporary, and the phrase does little to bring hope into their experience.

The fact is that if you are a first responder, and you struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression related to experiences on the job and you want to remain employed, this is not a temporary problem. It is, however, a fixable problem — one that has a number of different options for treatment that can be personalized to meet your needs.

Here’s what you can do to manage suicidal thoughts or tendencies without growing overwhelmed:

• Choose not to act today. Understand that it can take time to connect with positive treatment resources and time for those resources to create demonstrable change in your life. Patience is essential. Your first step in the process of moving toward balance is to make the decision that you will not do anything today to harm yourself and to continue making that decision daily as you begin treatment.
• Talk to someone. There are a number of hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Hopeline Network that are free of charge, anonymous, and available 24 hours a day to assist you in avoiding suicidal behaviors in the moment. In addition, these helplines can connect you with treatment and services that will help you to overcome the feelings of grief, trauma, and depression that may be driving your thoughts of suicide.
• Talk to someone in person. Getting together with a therapist or meeting with a support group can give you a huge boost in terms of identifying what is happening to you and the best possible methods of treatment for your personal experience. A professional will not only be able to offer you support in the moment but will also be able to assist you in accessing medication and therapies that are research-based and proven to be effective in treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Get help for substance abuse. It’s not uncommon for substance abuse and addiction to go hand in hand with co-occurring disorders, like trauma and depression, that may precipitate suicidal thoughts. If this is the case for you, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to recover without stopping use of drugs and alcohol. This is not something you are expected to do alone. Rather, professional detox and addiction treatment are recommended if you struggle with substance abuse and addiction, even if suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not an issue.
• Create a schedule for yourself. Rather than simply going to work and coming home with no plan for how to spend your downtime, make a schedule for yourself that includes a range of positive activities that can help you to feel better. After you input your work shifts, schedule in therapy sessions and support group meetings, note when it’s time to head to the pharmacy to refill medications, spend time with friends, exercise, and do things that bring you happiness.

You do not have to succumb to suicidal thoughts. There are other options. Consider the “fixes” that are available to you and get the help to lift yourself up today.

This article was originally published by Michael Healy, Fire Chief, Central Nyack Fire Dept, NY and Treatment Consultant for Fire Service at American Addiction Centers, on LinkedIn.