Warning: Please note that this episode discusses suicide and mental health issues within the first responder communities. If you or anyone you know may be struggling with depression or suicide ideation, please reach out to a trained mental health specialist. Unless specifically mentioned, the hosts or guests of this podcast are not licensed mental health clinicians and these are their personal stories, thoughts and opinions.

This podcast is produced by Loki Productions LLC and a companion to the soon to be released documentary film The Call. In this episode, we speak with Mary VanHaute to discuss the importance of mental health awareness in the first responder community. We explore personal stories, the impact of suicide, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Mary shares her journey and insights on how to support first responders and their families, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of seeking help and fostering a culture of openness and compassion.

If you would like to reach out to Mary VanHaute, please contact her at [email protected].

Image and video courtesies:

* Hoan Alone: Personal Stories from the Bridge

* Dr. Cara Kanter, Temple University

About The Call

The Call is a powerful documentary that breaks the silence around firefighter mental health, offering an unflinching look at the trauma, PTSD, and suicide crisis facing first responders. Through raw interviews, real-life stories, and behind-the-scenes access to firehouses in New Mexico, the film explores the emotional toll of a profession associated with bravery, but rarely with vulnerability.

Created in collaboration with mental health professionals and firefighter advocacy groups, The Call seeks not only to inform but to ignite change. The documentary calls for increased support, open dialogue, and institutional reform to better protect the mental well-being of those who risk their lives daily for others. The film honors those who are lost while offering help and hope.

Website: www.thecalldocumentary.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecalldocumentary.substack.com