05/07/2026
May is Mental Health month
This message is of paramount importance for spouses, immediate family members, partners, and parents. Loved ones frequently observe the effects of trauma hours, days, or weeks following critical incidents. These effects may manifest as subtle mood shifts, heightened anger, social withdrawal, altered sleep patterns, dream reactions, changes in appetite, or substance abuse.
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that trauma can also directly impact spouses and family members. This phenomenon is known as Secondary Trauma. Often, this topic is not openly discussed, nor are the resources available to support those experiencing it, as their focus is typically on assisting the primary individual affected by trauma. While the individual directly experiences the trauma, their partners vicariously experience it through narratives and by witnessing its impact on their loved ones. This constitutes secondary trauma. The spouse's secondary trauma arises from intrusive thoughts, hypothetical scenarios, and the anticipation of potential negative outcomes. Hearing incident reports in the background and praying for a safe return rather than an unwelcome notification at the door are also contributing factors.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available not only to the firefighter but also to their family members. Should you require support in processing trauma, please contact a Chief Officer for a confidential referral..
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