Education
When a firefighter has a mental health crisis, he makes the decision to call his Battalion Chief from the hospital. In some organizations this might be career ending, but this firefighter tells how that call helped him rise from the darkest moment in his life to feeling supported and having a sense of wellbeing. Telling your boss that you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue is terrifying. Andrew proves that it was the best thing he could have done. Evidence-based research states that when the employer steps up and supports an employee when they suffer a mental health injury or crisis, the organization will benefit when that employee returns to work. The fire service leads the way in helping others see the benefit of creating education and awareness around mental health, and then stepping up and supporting employees when they go through difficult times.