Therapy for First Responders
First responders are the first line of defense when it comes to responding to emergency situations, and often encounter traumatic and distressing events that impact not only physical health but mental health as well. We understand that the stresses of your job can often lead to mental health challenges such as PTSD, brain fog, sleep issues, relationship stress, guilt and anxiety.
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Our team at the Men's Mental Wellness Center offers therapy for first responders including counseling from Master's Level therapists in Denver.
Understanding PTSD
For First Responders
Though every individual is unique, we see common themes in how first responders self report their mental health being impacted by the stressors of their jobs.
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Symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a one of the most common mental health challenges faced by first responders. It can be caused by witnessing or experiencing traumatic events such as accidents, disasters, or violent crimes.
PTSD can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviors. It can be difficult to understand whether these symptoms stem from trauma experienced during work, or if it occurred outside of work and is exacerbated by the work conditions a first responder is in.
Our first responder counseling team can help you dissect this information.
Interestingly, brain fog is a common report of those with PTSD as the brain and nervous system are trying to manage the high levels of trauma and stress through consolidating energy which may result in cloudy thoughts. These clients often self report a difficulty concentrating, making wise decisions, and performing tasks needed to carry out their positions efficiently.
Sleep issues are also a common issue that first responders face, due to the nature of their job. Sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty in handling stressful situations. This may be due to having long hours, frequently changing schedules or as a secondary result of PTSD.
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Relationship Stressors in First Responders
The impact of the stress that first responders face doesn't just stop when they finish their shift. One of the most common areas that first responders struggle with is in their personal relationships.
The reason for this is complex, yet simple: the nature of the job means that they're dealing with life-or-death situations on a daily basis. They may witness things that the average person can't even imagine, from the horrors of a car crash to the aftermath of a violent crime. All of this has a compound effect and can take a toll on first responders' mental and emotional well-being, which can spill over into their personal life.
While some are able to recognize this happening and seek support, it is an unfortunate narrative that this is something a first responder and their family must endure as a result of the nature of their job.
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The high-stakes environment can also breed a sense of urgency and adrenaline in first responders that can be difficult to switch off when they leave work. They may find themselves constantly on edge, unable to relax and unwind in the same way as someone who works in a less intense profession.
