Recognizing post-traumatic stress as a legitimate injury has been difficult for many first responder agencies and command staff. But many are now seeing a positive culture shift where stigmas are being addressed, treatments are being accepted, and leaders are realizing the long-term benefits of departmental behavior health programs.
Retired Firefighter Keith Hanks discusses how he must work hard every day to manage his symptoms of PTSD and how he had to find an internal reason for living.
Horses are very sensitive to the energy around them, especially from someone with anxiety or PTS. In this Resilience and Hope segment, Josh Aikens tells the story of how a horse reacted when he was upset over a personal matter. Josh then explains how he re-centered himself and adjusted his mindset to allow the horse to accept him once again.
For first responders, moral injuries can be even more prevalent than post-traumatic stress. In this Resilience and Hope segment, Police Sgt. Bobby Waidler explains the differences between PTSI and Moral Injury, but also how they can have similar effects on a first responder.
Christina Defenbaugh is the wife of a former police officer and co-founder of the 10-42 Project in Indianola, Iowa. Christina explains the special and important role a spouse plays when living with a first responder dealing with symptoms of PTSD. https://10-42Project.org
When responding to an accident or disaster, first responders must maintain their composure and professionalism. Dr. Sam Walters explains how first responders need to separate their emotions from the emergency and not make it their own.
Denny Robinson, a fire apparatus operator for the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, loves to play golf and compares the challenges of the game to challenges faced in life. https://FirstResponderGolf.org
Michelle Kaye, owner of Operation Equine in Denver, explains why people should not isolate themselves when dealing with symptoms of PTS, and instead reach out for help from friends and family.
Olivia Mead, founder of Yoga For First Responders, discusses how practicing mindfulness can help keep your mind, body and emotions aligned to battle symptoms of PTSD.
In this segment of Resilience and Hope, various people discuss the impact PTSD can have on the family dynamic and the importance of good communication with your spouse.
Billy Cinkay, a former Sergeant with the North Riverside Police Department, details how a first responder denying symptoms of PTS and not seeking help is the same as Tombstone Courage. Billy now helps former first responders at Haven Health Management in West Palm Beach, Florida. https://HavenDetoxNow.com
Dr. Debra Tasci, Psy.D. is a board-certified police and public safety psychologist working for Nicoletti-Flater Associates in Denver. Dr. Tasci discusses two events that create traumatic experiences for first responders: being trapped; and being exiled from your tribe. https://Nicoletti-Flater.com
Keith Hanks is a retired firefighter and EMT who has battled PTS for years. In this segment, Keith talks about his most common symptoms and the many unhealthy coping mechanisms he tried to cover these symptoms. Having his PTS now under control, Keith travels the country speaking to and helping first responder groups.
Sheila Russell, LISW, owner of Front Line Therapy, LLC in Des Moines, talks about the stigmas faced by many first responders that prevent them from seeking treatment for PTS.
Amanda Brumbaugh, Assistant Director of First Responder Conferences and wife of a police officer, discusses the challenges faced by a first responder wife. https://1stRC.org
Michael Delaney, a retired police officer from Kansas City, Missouri, talks about making mental health a priority, just like physical fitness.
Alison Fienning is a Licensed Social Worker, a professional speaker and owner of Pinpoint Behavioral Health Solutions. In this segment, Alison discusses the options of a first responder communicating with their spouse, from telling them everything to telling them nothing at all. https://PinpointBHS.com
Krista Fee, MA, is a former ER nurse and police investigator who now works as a mental health specialist and owner of Battle 2 Be, a non-profit assisting first responders. Krista explains why it is so difficult to have a long career as a first responder. https://Battle2Be.org
Skylar Limkemann is a volunteer Fire Captain and EMT with the Tiffin, Iowa Fire Association, a political consultant and a senior attorney in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In this segment, Skylar discusses the commitment required to be a volunteer firefighter and the price they pay to serve their community.
Sgt. Bobby Waidler is the Coordinator of Resiliency Programs at the Denver Police Department. Bobby discusses how officers sometimes develop a superhero or warrior mentality to deal with stress on the job as well as handle the dual roles of being a police officer and a human being.
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