10/20/2025
Earlier today, I was reading Hope Out of Darkness; A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness by Battalion Chief Dena Ali. I came across a section that really stuck with me and want to share.
“First responders, however, feel that keeping silent is necessary to remain considered fit for duty. Silence causes negative thoughts to multiply, magnify, and become a pathway to alienation. This alienation leads to isolation, which perpetuates negativity while increasing thoughts of su***de. Isolation is a well-known predictor of su***de.”
I wanted to make this thought public, as a reminder for all of us, including myself, to take the extra step and check up on each other. Do not be ashamed to speak up, there are people that care about you and what you are going through.