For first responders who may be struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, the Moncton Fire Department has an internal peer support team in place to help anyone who needs it.
Moncton firefighter Christopher Jackson says first responders are often put under a great deal of stress and must be able to cope with it.
“In the past, the stigma has prevented people from coming forward with their problems unfortunately… and there hasn’t necessarily been a support network from within that could be the eyes and ears that pick out someone who may need a hand,” he notes.
In recent years, Jackson says a shift has taken place among the mindset of first responders and the public regarding mental health issues.
He adds more resources are now being made available to help including access to mental health professionals as well as clinics which may offer a number of different treatments.
