I notice some firefighters are resistance to self-referral to the EAP. Confidentiality concerns a few, but others think asking for help will tarnish their macho image. How can I help reduce this resistance?
To overcome myths and misconceptions about EAPs and getting help, mention the EAP to your personnel often, and have periodic awareness programs arranged by or with EAP staff. Encourage use of the program. Making the EAP “ever present” and attempt to have personnel see it as part of the “fire culture.” This will have significant impact on reducing resistance to using the program. In effect, this type of visibility has a marketing effect that normalizes the idea of getting help. Regarding your role as a supervisor, be careful about language. If you are involved in a “bad call” or a horrific event, model reaching out to personnel, follow critical incident stress management protocols, and don’t make statements that reinforce the macho mentality among personnel, like “Suck it up, it’s your job.” Be aware of the role alcohol plays among personnel, and how it is used to manage stress within your department. Discuss with the EAP strategies that educate about and encourage healthy behaviors for managing stress.