Support group aims to prevent suicide among first responders

Suicide Awareness Month is coming to an end but the struggles that come with suicide never stop, that's why a group in Illinois created a peer support group.

Or 9-1-1.

Suicide awareness month is coming to an end..

But the struggles that come with suicide never stop.

That's why a group in "illinois" created a peer support group.

It's mission... to help firefighters and first responders.

And as news 10's jordan kudisch explains..

The non-profit is helping end suicide one conversation at a time.

Jon - first responders are the people we count on..

When an emergency arises..

But what we don't consider..

Is who's there to help them when on their bad days.

That's why the "firefighter peer support group was started."

"it's really just a matter of being able to validate the feelings that were having.

If i experience a bad run and you say i didn't sleep after that i talk to another first responder and they'll say yeah i probably wouldn't have slept either.

So it's validating our feelings that we're having from traumatic runs."

Over the last decade..

The number of firefighters who have died by suicide..

Have surpassed the number who have died in the line of duty.

And at least 1 in 5 firefighters will struggle with behavorial health issues.

This group allows first repsonders to "confide" in othe first responders.

It provides a space to engage..

And lead to healing.

This group isn't just available to those living in illinois.

In the next half hour i'll tell you who else can seek help from