Charleston firefighters demand mental health changes after six suicides since 2020

Описание: CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — Firefighters across the Lowcountry are mourning the loss of one of their own and calling for changes they say are needed to better support first responders’ mental health.

According to a post from the Charleston Firefighters’ Association, six current, retired, or former Charleston firefighters have died by suicide since 2020. In a separate social media post, the Columbia Fire Department announced the death of one of its service members who temporarily served in Charleston.

Firefighters and advocates say the pressures of the job extend beyond what they see on emergency calls, pointing to finances as a major source of stress. Jason Smith, president of the Isle of Palms Firefighter Association, said mental health has long been difficult to discuss openly.

“It’s kind of a taboo. This is something that for years and years, most people have not talked about openly,” he said.

Read more here: https://abcnews4.com/news/local/charl...

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