Many mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation, are more common among first responders and veterans. Both undergo intensive training to prepare for their physically demanding and potentially dangerous jobs — but are they prepared mentally and emotionally? Constant exposure to traumatic events and life-threatening situations — and the stress of working long hours away from family members and under high-stakes conditions — can easily build up and take an enormous toll on mental health. • Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty • 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health conditions • Depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first responders • More than 30,000 active duty soldiers and veterans of post 9/11 wars have died by suicide over the past 20 years, more than four times the number of service members killed in war operations during the same time.
Many mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation, are more common among first responders and veterans. Both undergo intensive training to prepare for their physically demanding and potentially dangerous jobs — but are they prepared mentally and emotionally? Constant exposure to traumatic events and life-threatening situations — and the stress of working long hours away from family members and under high-stakes conditions — can easily build up and take an enormous toll on mental health.
Joining me today is Mark Donohue, a former military soldier and a current police officer and his wife Libby. Mark is a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood and graduating high school from Green Mountain in 2001. In 2004, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 2006 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and in 2007 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After finishing his enlistment as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) he attended Colorado State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Mark was hired in 2012 by the Golden Police Department and has served in multiple leadership positions. He was a Team Leader and Corporal before being promoted to Sergeant in 2017 and Commander in 2022. He is a multi-disciplinary instructor and served on the Jefferson County Regional SWAT Team for over 6 years. He is a national instructor for tactics and leadership for the National Tactical Officers Association.
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