SAFETY STAND DOWN
2026 SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS
WEEK THREE
Knowing the Signs
The 2026 Suicide Prevention & Awareness Safety Stand Down continues into Week 3 with a focus on Knowing the Signs, recognizing the changes in a colleague that may indicate they are struggling and need support.
Firefighters don't always say, “I'm having a hard time.” Sometimes it shows up differently: withdrawing from the crew, changes in mood or behavior, increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, changes in work performance, increased substance use, or simply not seeming like themselves.
The challenge is that these signs can be easy to dismiss. We may tell ourselves someone is just having a bad week, dealing with things at home, or going through a rough patch.
We encourage you to lead these conversations and create space for members to engage openly.
WEEK THREE LESSON PLAN
Start the Conversation and set aside time during your shift or training this week to:
Watch the Week 3 video together and discuss the signs that stood out.
Talk about what changes you might notice in a colleague who is struggling.
Work through real-life scenarios: If you noticed those changes in a brother or sister, what would you do? What would you say?
Discuss how your department can create an environment where checking in is normal, not something that only happens when there is a crisis.
You don't have to be a counselor or have all the answers. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is notice, ask, listen, and help connect someone to support.
Stand Down materials, including videos, discussion prompts, and printable resources, are available HERE.
WATCH THE VIDEO
WEEK THREE: Social Media Toolkit
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Spotting the signs: A missed call, a quiet shift, a change in behavior can be signs a crew member is struggling. By knowing what to look for, checking in and listening could potentially be the difference to help save a life.
Learn how to spot the signs and support your brothers and sisters at HealingOurOwn.org
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A missed call, a quiet shift, a change in behavior can be signs a crew member is struggling. By knowing what to look for, checking in and listening could potentially be the difference to help save a life.
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No firefighter should carry the stresses of the job alone. Checking in with your crew, listening without judgment, and speaking up when something seems off can save lives.
Start the conversation today and get tools to support mental health and resilience at HealingOurOwn.org
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No firefighter should carry the stresses of the job alone. Checking in with your crew, listening without judgment, and speaking up when something seems off can save lives.
Start the conversation today and get tools to support mental health at HealingOurOwn.org
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Peer Support Teams are firefighters helping firefighters: confidential, stigma-free, and built on shared experiences.
If you’re carrying a heavy load, you don’t have to carry it alone. Connect with your peer support team and find more resources at HealingOurOwn.org
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When a fellow firefighter seems withdrawn, exhausted or “not themselves,” don’t wait. Start the conversation. Your support can be the lifeline that gets them through.
Learn how to recognize the warning signs and take action at HealingOurOwn.org
MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY
No matter how tough, no one is immune to the anguish that can build from a career of difficult calls.
All too often, we keep the anguish buried inside, afraid to be labeled as weak or unfit. "The 'suck it up, buttercup' mentality believes ... all you need to do is rub some dirt in it and get back out there." The thing is, the same line was used against SCBA, seat belts, turnouts and other safety equipment and practices that are saving firefighter lives. As with any injury, allowing this anguish to fester can lead to unhealthy habits, behaviors, and, sometimes, death. Mental health is medical health.