The massive condo collapse in South Florida is one of many traumatic events (man-made and natural) that has gripped our state and country in recent months. Active efforts from our healthcare communities are helping to bring awareness to the importance of mental health support and resources for first responders.

An event like this causes multiple layers of trauma, family and friends of those who have died and survivors of the collapse are most directly affected, but people living in the area, local governments, or even people who live in similar buildings will be affected in many different ways.

This also underscores the mental health of those who always rush into the line of danger while others flee- first responders.

First Responders and Mental Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says an estimated 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a higher rate of these conditions than what we see among the general public.

There is also a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

The ongoing rescue efforts have brought first responders from across the state into South Florida, including dozens from the Jacksonville area. The collapse highlights the incredible array of mental health challenges first responders face. 911 dispatchers field terrified calls from onlookers, those first to arrive scramble to find survivors and contain the scene, emergency medical care tends to severe injuries, salvage experts lead rescue efforts where one wrong step could cave the rubble and harm themselves and others. Family and friends demand answers about their missing loved ones- answers that first responders don’t have. First responders see the devastation up close and first-hand, and the fear of more devastation mounts every hour- every minute- a survivor is not found.

Added to those challenges are the realities of the everyday job- long shifts, physical work, safety threats, high stress, and related areas. And to further complicate things, these professions- firefighters, police officers, etc- often pride themselves on mental toughness. A first responder struggling with their mental health may feel compelled to keep it to themselves, so they don’t appear “weak”.

Health Care for the Caregivers

Struggling with mental health, especially amid everything a first responder experiences, is not a weakness. In fact, reaching out to others and building social supports- especially among colleagues- is something that research has shown to be crucial to help first responders protect their mental health. If you’re a first responder, consider asking a coworker to be your mental health buddy, and regularly check in on each other.

Life satisfaction is also an important protection. That means finding rewarding and engaging activities that enrich life outside of work is something first responders should prioritize.

Systemically, an increase in training and preparedness can help support mental and behavioral health. SAMHSA recommends managers and organizational leaders develop and practice emergency response protocols to promote feelings of preparedness, host trainings around mental health to promote awareness among first responders, and establish clearly defined leadership structures during an emergency in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication during the response itself.

Florida has tried to put this into action with the condo collapse. The State has deployed mental wellness professionals to South Florida to support all affected by the collapse.


Ready to find your therapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find mental health support therapy for first responders from professional therapists and therapy counselors.