In the first responder community My Arena works to promote awareness about mental health issues, change public policy, achieve equity for mental health care comparable to other health care, and reduce stigma and discrimination against those first responder struggling with mental health.
How common are behavioral health conditions in first responders?
As of 2022, 30% of first responders have reported behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and PTSD. It is estimated this number is far greater, but due to the negative stigma attached to seeking help many never come forward for the help they need. Year after year suicide in the first responder community increases and more police officers die by suicide than by gunfire.