“I am fine”: The Deadly Cost of Self-Stigma
Despite growing awareness, many first responders struggle not only with the symptoms of mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, but also with self-stigma, a powerful internal barrier that discourages help-seeking and perpetuates suffering. Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize negative societal beliefs about mental illness, leading to shame, self-doubt, and avoidance of support. […]