September is Suicide Prevention Month Springhill Fire Department

There are people in our community who are struggling silently.

People who are hurting. People who are exhausted. People who feel like they are carrying more than they can possibly hold.

And sometimes, the people who are always there for everyone else are the ones who have the hardest time asking for help.

First responders are not immune.

Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, dispatchers and other first responders see things that stay with us long after the call is over. We experience loss. We witness tragedy. We carry memories. We worry about our crew, our families and the people we serve.

We are trained to run toward someone else’s worst day. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have difficult days of our own.

So this September, we want to remind everyone of something simple, but incredibly important:

The world is a better place with you in it.

You don’t have to have everything figured out.

You don’t have to be okay all the time.

You don’t have to carry it alone.

Asking for help isn’t weakness.

Sometimes getting through the day means making one phone call. Sending one text. Sitting beside someone you trust. Saying, “I’m not okay.”

And if someone you know doesn’t seem like themselves, check in. Ask the question. Start the conversation.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in Nova Scotia:

Call or text 9-8-8

The Suicide Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line

1-888-429-8167 — available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or anyone concerned about someone else.

Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Intake

1-855-922-1122 — for connecting with mental health and addictions services across the province.

Nova Scotia Volunteer Firefighter & Ground Search and Rescue Assistance Program

1-833-768-2183 — dedicated mental health and wellness support for volunteer firefighters, ground search and rescue volunteers and their families.

PSPNET

Free, confidential mental health support specifically for Canadian public safety personnel, including firefighters, paramedics, police, communications and search and rescue.

And if you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.

You don’t need to wait until things are unbearable to reach out.

Check on your people. Check on your crew. Check on yourself.

And if nobody has told you lately:

We need you here.

Your family needs you.

Your friends need you.

Your crew needs you.

Your community needs you.

The world is a better place with you in it.

— Springhill Fire Department