Suicide is notably defined as one of the most preventable causes of death, and yet it still stands as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. (NIMH)
In 2024, 48,824 American lives were lost to suicide (AFSP). That is the equivalent of over 130 deaths a day for one year. As sobering as that number is on its own, it becomes even more urgent when you narrow the lens to the men and women who respond to our worst days for a living.
The CDC has reported that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. A finding that has contributed to the recent shift in focus of mental health training within departments across the nation. In 2020 alone, 116 police officers died by suicide compared to 113 who died in the line of duty, and 127 suicides were reported among firefighters and EMTs that same year (USA Today).
Reduction in stigma and increased awareness is only one part of the battle. In the face of growing awareness, many first responders continue to face hurdles around finding quality, trusted and available resources. Furthermore, first responders face higher levels of risk factors daily compared to that of the average person. Some of these factors include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. Combined with average life stressors such as illness, relationships, or financial hardships, reduction in these numbers requires a multifaceted approach.
Risk Factors Unique to the Job
Where the average person may face one or two significant stressors at a time, first responders are often carrying the weight of several at once, layered on top of a job that asks them to walk toward danger while everyone else walks away.
Exposure is one of the most defining factors in this population and can show up in a number of ways. Cumulative trauma is defined as “the repeated exposure to traumatic events over an individual’s lifetime, which can lead to profound psychological, biological, and social consequences” (Johns Hopkins). While its impact is just as felt, it rarely gets the same recognition as a single catastrophic event.
This layered with moral injury; a term describing the lasting psychological impact of witnessing, being unable to prevent, or participating in situations that conflict with someone’s core values (Château Recovery), can lead to lasting effects felt well beyond the job.
While the culture around mental health continues to shift, we cannot rely solely on departments to combat this battle. Finding a trusted community, showing up for peers who are struggling, and speaking out when you need support is crucial to taking care of one’s mental wellness. No one can move through life unaffected by experience, and as a society, we must continue to provide safe platforms for these conversations to take place.
Tools to utilize
SAMSA provides weekly messages through the month of September to utilize, focusing on community, connection, support, and prevention. (SAMHSA)
Check out some of the national first responder resources that can be utilized for additional support through the national suicide prevention alliance.
In the world of first response, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone in your journey. A community that stands together can build a stronger, more supportive, and healthier space where these conversations are not only accepted but encouraged.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, call 988
References
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2026). Suicide statistics.
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
Mickles, M. S., & Palm, D. W. (2025). Factors that contribute to mental distress and suicidal events for first responders in Nebraska: A qualitative study. Psychological Services. Advance online publication.
https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0001007
National Institute of Mental Health. (2025, August). Suicide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
Patch, M., & Rodney, T. (2025). Cumulative trauma. In Trauma informed care: Practical skills for nurses (pp. 93–103). Springer Science+Business Media.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87526-7_8
Police, firefighters die by suicide more often than in line of duty. Why rates remain high. (2022, June 10). USA Today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/06/10/high-suicide-rate-police-firefighters-mental-health/7470846001/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026, August 31). Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026, September 1). Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Renewing our commitment to prevention, recovery, and hope. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-renewing-our-commitment-prevention-recovery-hope
Suicide Prevention Alliance. (n.d.). First responders. Retrieved September 15, 2026, from
https://www.suicidepreventionalliance.org/resources/first-responders/
Wise, Z. (2026, June 16). Moral injury in first responders: Signs, causes, and how to heal. Chateau Health & Wellness.
https://www.chateaurecovery.com/moral-injury-in-first-responders-signs-causes-and-how-to-heal