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Mental Health — Seeking Support

 

It’s common for the maintenance of our mental and emotional wellbeing to be postponed for the demands of wildland firefighting; however, there may be times in your career when you cannot delay your need for professional support. Recognizing your own need to seek support or reaching out when someone on your team is struggling can be just as impactful as calling out a hazard on the fireline. Learn to recognize when help is needed and what resources are available. This topic aims to expand our definition of safety to include mental wellbeing. 

Image
Sunrise with firefighters silhouetted against the sky walking along a ridge with a body of water in front.

Your Mental Health Matters

Mental health and physical safety are interconnected. When stress and trauma go unaddressed, they can cloud judgement, slow reaction times, and impair communication, ultimately jeopardizing individual safety as well as the safety of their entire team.

When to Seek Professional Support

You may benefit from working with a mental health professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

  • Problems are lingering and not getting better — especially beyond 30 days.
  • You have prolonged, intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, guilt, worry, anxiety, or anger.
  • You notice changes in your behaviors, such as isolating or withdrawing from others, problems with your sleep or appetite, or increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope.
  • You have difficulty functioning or concentrating on everyday tasks at work, school, or home.
  • You have continuous conflicts, detachment, and problems in relationships with loved ones.
  • Family and friends repeatedly voice concern for you.
  • You experience physical symptoms, such as chronic headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue without a medical basis.

Check with your employer and health insurance provider for available resources. Different resources may be helpful at different phases of your career and for different circumstances.

Discussion Questions:

  • What might prevent firefighters from seeking professional mental health support? How can we overcome those barriers?
  • How can we support a colleague who is experiencing mental health challenges?
  • Seeing a mental health professional is a healthy outlet, yet there is still a stigma attached. How does your crew talk about seeking support?
  • Review the resources in the references below to discover what’s available for you and your crew.
     

References:

Additional Resources:

For more behavioral health resources and information please see the information below.

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee