As a first responder, every day on the job can be fraught with stressors. Over time, repeated exposure to potentially traumatic situations can have a lasting impact on your mental health and well-being. While it is your job to be on the frontline helping others, it is just as important to help yourself. Developing healthy…
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Some of the most formidable warriors throughout history used meditation techniques before going into battle. Why? They realized the tremendous benefits of preparing the body as well as the mind for intense exertion. When it comes to first responders, whether in the military, law enforcement, firefighting, or EMT, going to work may mean going to…
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As a first responder, you may be used to hearing that you need to get some sleep. Though this might seem like an overused phrase, the sentiment is not. Being on a job that requires extensive mental and physical energy has the potential to wear you out by the end of the day. Therefore, it…
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What are some common signs that you or a loved one may be experiencing stress? How do you know when these levels of stress are becoming harmful? In honor of International Stress Week—November 2nd through the 6th—taking time to identify hidden stress in yourself and others can lead to better mental health and well-being all…
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As technology progresses, so too does our ability to help others in need. As a first responder, you may have had first-hand experience utilizing a new piece of technology or equipment that has helped you help others. Neurofeedback aims to do just that: help others heal. With advances in brainwave monitoring equipment and computer software,…
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Being able to perform challenging and demanding tasks, as a first responder, requires confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. It can be dangerous going into a risky situation if you are not prepared and self-assured. Moreover, when people are in need, you need to be assured that the person assisting you is confident in their…
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Being involved in a community while going through recovery from addiction is just as significant as the community being involved in helping those in recovery. The purpose of community is to bring people together in advocacy and support of each other to overcome challenges. Enjoying each other’s company also provides a sense of belonging, connection,…
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Re-experiencing past trauma as physical symptoms that manifest in the body can be alarming. When someone experiences physical symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS), the body does not remember the event as something in the past. These symptoms can intrude visual, auditory, and other bodily functions causing the body and mind to feel as though they…
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During the early stages of recovery, it is essential to focus on yourself. As a first responder, helping others is what you are good at, and focusing too much on your own needs may feel selfish. However, the steps it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle in recovery can be all-consuming, especially in the beginning.…
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Many family members of first responders can often see and feel the effects of their loved one’s job-related stressors. While first responders often have work partners, the partner at home—the spouse or significant other—plays a crucial role in helping them through the recovery process. Spouses and significant others are often the ones who notice early…
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A first responder’s work can be rewarding, but over time, it can also take its toll on an individual and lead to emotional exhaustion. This exhaustion can result from high emotional involvement, such as working with traumatized individuals in the community without adequate support. The term “compassion fatigue” (CF) was initially defined and researched by…
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Do you have a vague feeling of being detached from your reality, like you’re dreaming, or that you’re viewing the world from a third-person perspective? Do the words that come out of your mouth not feel like your own? Does your reflection seem like a stranger? If so, these may be signs you are experiencing…
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Maintaining personal mental health and wellness can be difficult if the environment around a person is not conducive to it. For this reason, it is essential for various first responder agencies and departments to focus on promoting a culture of wellness. A first responder can do everything right on their end to make sure they…
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