WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The nonprofit TW Foundation, which works to prevent teen suicide, announced this month it plans to expand its outreach to veterans and first responders.

“If you think about the average day of our first responders in the area, they’re going out every single day, every time the call goes off, they’re going out to the worst situation that is imaginable,” said the foundation’s executive director, Todd Woodfill.

According to a 2018 study from the Ruderman Family Foundation, police and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The study notes there were at least 103 firefighter suicides and 140 police officer suicides in 2017, while 93 firefighters and 129 police officers died in the line of duty.

It also states PTSD and depression rates can be up to five times higher for first responders than for the general population. On top of that, a 2015 survey published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services found that suicide attempts among first responders were more than ten times higher than the CDC national average.

“They’re dealing with the worst problems in society, and they have to somehow walk away from that and be ready for the very next call,” Woodfill said.

As for veterans, the VA National Suicide Data Report states the 2016 suicide rate for veterans was 1.5 times higher than that of non-veteran adults.

Making a connection

For about a year, Woodfill has spoken at schools and other organizations both in Florida and nationwide. Through multiple programs, he focuses on teaching teens resilience and that hope and help is available if they’re considering ending their lives. 

Woodfill said the approach will be a bit different with veterans and first responders.

“Connecting with them, understanding that my background is very similar to theirs,” Woodfill, a former firefighter and an Air Force veteran, said of what will be an important part of his work with these groups. “I’ve had some of the same low points. I’ve walked away from the same incidents. I served in Iraq, so I saw some of the same conditions.”

Once that connection is made, Woodfill said the biggest challenge will be the same noted in the Ruderman study: breaking down walls that can be built up by the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly for people who work in these fields.

“The stigma behind we have to be ‘manly’, we have to not talk about our problems, we can’t ask for help because that makes us weak,” Woodfill said.

Woodfill notes he is not a licensed counselor or therapist, but said he has undergone crisis training. The TW Foundation offers its program free of charge and just asks groups to donate what they can. 

More information

For more information on the TW Foundation, visit http://defeatsuicide.com.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, confidential help is available for free through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Signs to look for that may signal someone may be at risk for suicide include:

  • talking about wanting to die or killing themselves
  • looking for a way to kill themselves
  • talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
  • talking about being a burden to others
  • increased alcohol or drug use
  • acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly
  • sleeping too little or too much
  • withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • excessive mood swings

To learn more, visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.