First, most departments do not provide any training on the subject.

Education is almost non-existent in awareness, prevention programs, and where to go for confidential counseling and support. Second, in the structured working and living environment of a police station, EMS/firehouse, or dispatch center emotional topics, religious convictions, and personal opinions make it hard for individuals to talk about their personal problems and concerns. Third, there is a lack of admission by leadership and the rank and file that the problem exists. Thus, what we have is circular logic where “because we don’t speak about it, there must not be a problem. Since there is no problem there really is no need to think or talk about it.”

Retirement presents additional unique challenges to many members of the safety forces. Most safety force members retire at a relative early age by completing the years of active duty or needing to retire early due to injury or illness, usually related to their job. After spending a career serving others newly retired safety forces are placed in a situation where their skills are perceived as unneeded. That is, they no longer follow a routine of working with the same crew, shifts, hazardous life-threatening, and, in many cases, lifesaving experiences. On top of this, the new retiree is faced with new experiences such as long periods of down time, more time at home, and more time focused on financial problems. After years of being the person whose major reason for being was to help others, it may become very difficult to change roles from providing help to needing help.