These are professionals who explicitly prioritize bravery and toughness, and putting others before themselves, so there's this perception within these departments that to speak out about your own struggles is selfish and is contrary to your job description." -Miriam Heyman
"The number of firefighters, EMT's and officers who who took their own lives, outnumbered all line-of-duty deaths in 2017" (https://rudermanfoundation.org)
Secondary trauma, also known as compassion fatigue, occurs among first responders who indirectly play a role during a traumatic event. Dr. Charles Figley states it is "the natural consequent behaviors resulting from knowledge about a traumatizing event experienced by another." It is an understudied and controversial topic as some see this as a response to trauma versus a clinical disorder. Either way, if symptoms are left untreated, the number of suicides within this vital profession will increase. Symptoms of secondary trauma may include feeling numb or detached, fatigued and engaging in self-destructing behaviors.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new.
​-Barack Obama

It's time that nurses are recognized as a scarce resource that needs to be invested in, supported and respected." -Cynthia Rushton
Nurse burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. With increased demands from the job itself, Covid-19 has only added to the enormous strain that has been put on these healthcare workers. 

"The profession of nursing is a fertile soil for risk factors of suicide." Twice as many female nurses will die by suicide than the general female population.
Scott was one of a kind. Whenever we worked together, I'd always steal his fresh new coffee he just bought. Well, not steal, more like I'd take a couple of sips, then give it back. He was kind and loving and one of the best doctors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He was loved more than he'll ever know.
Many physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the job. A worrying number of doctors die by suicide each year."