The high-stress demands of working as a correction officer can jeopardize both physical and mental health. Long work shifts, dangerous conditions, and the constant need for vigilance can create enormous stress. Working in any one of the nation's prisons requires that corrections officers be constantly vigilant about ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
Mental Health Care for Correction Officers
Mental Health Care for 911 Dispatchers
Emergency dispatchers may never set foot on the scene of a crime or accident, but every day, they're faced with challenges and trauma that can impact their mental health. These workers are the bridge between people in crisis and first responders. They are responsible for sending assistance to emergency and nonemergency ... Read More
The Most Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Roughly 51 million adults in the U.S. experience some form of chronic pain, making it one of the main reasons that people seek medical care. You can develop chronic pain for many reasons, including chronic conditions like arthritis, immune disorders like lupus, past injuries, or even some other disease. It's quite ... Read More
Mental Health Care for EMTs and Paramedics
In his 1983 book entitled Mister Rogers Talks with Parents, Fred Rogers recounted how when he was a child and would see scary things on the news, his mother would tell him, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." In many cases, those "helpers" are the EMTs and paramedics who are first to ... Read More
Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes a Problem
Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is not officially diagnosed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Yet it is a severe eating disorder that can be life-threatening. Orthorexia and Its Connection to Healthy Eating When someone has orthorexia, they are fixated or obsessed ... Read More
Mental Health Care for Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers are charged with the task of serving and protecting citizens and creating a safe environment for everyone in their communities. Being a police officer can be rewarding, but it also comes with high demands and exposure to trauma. Over time, this can take a severe toll on the officer's mental ... Read More
Can You Get PTSD from Witnessing a Terrible Event?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that many people misunderstand, largely thanks to some persisting myths and misinformation. Traumatic events leave people feeling sad, anxious, frightened, or even guilty. When these feelings persist for long periods, it could be PTSD. While most individuals ... Read More
How to Help Someone Silently Suffering from Depression
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects a wide array of people, regardless of factors like age, race, or income level. About 17 percent of Americans struggle with depression and as many as six out of 10 adults in this country will experience at least one episode of depression in their ... Read More