Author Archive: Admin Wayne State
Webinar Engagement #13: Coming Home After a Tragedy
Every day, first responders face moments that leave a lasting impact. Our webinar, “Coming Home After a Tragedy,” is here to help you manage the emotional toll, build resilience, and find support in a community that understands.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E41) Understanding Grief with Ali Amirsadri, M.D.
In this episode, we welcome Ali Amirsadri, M.D., a respected psychiatrist and mental health advocate. Dr. A serves as the Professor and Associate Chair for Clinical Services in the Department of Psychiatry at Wayne State University, the Chief Medical Officer for the Wayne Health Department of Psychiatry, and the Director of the FST5 Program. Drawing on over 20 years in emergency psychiatry, Dr. A provides invaluable insights into the clinical aspects of grief and loss. He shares practical tools to support individuals, families, and first responders as they navigate the complexities of grief and healing.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E40): Building Resilience with Mike Wierenga from 2 The Rescue
In this episode, we welcome Mike Wierenga, retired law enforcement officer, part-time firefighter, and co-founder of 2 The Rescue (TwoTheRescue.com). With over 31 years of public safety experience, Mike shares how his career shaped his passion for mental health advocacy and the mission of 2 The Rescue. We discuss his early experiences addressing frontline mental health challenges, the critical training and resources his organization provides for first responders and their families, and actionable strategies for departments to proactively support mental and behavioral health.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline (E39) A sit down with Representative Mike Harris Michigan 52nd District
In this episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Mike Harris of the 52nd District. Mike is a retired police officer who brings firsthand insight into the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by frontline workers. Rep. Harris shares how his background in law enforcement shapes his policy approach, his advocacy for first responders, and his vision for expanding access to mental health resources. Join us as he discusses current and future legislative efforts aimed at supporting the well-being of Michigan’s frontline workers and emphasizes the importance of including their voices in policy decisions.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (38): Beyond the call with Jim Marshall
In this episode, we welcome Jim Marshall, co-founder and CEO of the 911 Training Institute (www.911training.net) and author of The Resilient 911 Professional. A licensed mental health professional, Jim has dedicated his career to supporting the well-being of 911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators. He has developed science-driven training programs to equip dispatchers with tools to handle high-stress crisis situations, including mental health and suicide calls. In our conversation, Jim shares his insights on overcoming the hidden challenges of this work, addressing harmful “core cognitions,” and building resilience. He emphasizes the importance of peer support, debunks the “tough it out” mentality, and provides actionable advice for those struggling with mental health. This episode offers both hope and practical strategies for resilience on the frontline of emergency response.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
Course Description:
This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis &
Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals.
When: January 6th, 13th & 20th, 2025: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Zoom Live Online
Cost: Free
How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights:
• Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
• Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum
• Critical incident stress management
• Evidence-based practice
• Basic crisis communication techniques
• Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions
• Putative and empirically derived mechanisms
• SAFER-Revised model
• Suicide intervention
• Relevant research findings
• Large group crisis interventions
• Small group crisis interventions
• Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
Course Description:
This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis &
Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals.
When: February 14th, 21st & 28th, 2025: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Zoom Live Online
Cost: Free
How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights:
• Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
• Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum
• Critical incident stress management
• Evidence-based practice
• Basic crisis communication techniques
• Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions
• Putative and empirically derived mechanisms
• SAFER-Revised model
• Suicide intervention
• Relevant research findings
• Large group crisis interventions
• Small group crisis interventions
• Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
Course Description:
This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis &
Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals.
When: April 18th, April 25 & May 2nd, 2025: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Zoom Live Online
Cost: Free
How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights:
• Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
• Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum
• Critical incident stress management
• Evidence-based practice
• Basic crisis communication techniques
• Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions
• Putative and empirically derived mechanisms
• SAFER-Revised model
• Suicide intervention
• Relevant research findings
• Large group crisis interventions
• Small group crisis interventions
• Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
Course Description:
This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis &
Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals.
When: June 13th, 20th & 27th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Zoom Live Online
Cost: Free
How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights:
• Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
• Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum
• Critical incident stress management
• Evidence-based practice
• Basic crisis communication techniques
• Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions
• Putative and empirically derived mechanisms
• SAFER-Revised model
• Suicide intervention
• Relevant research findings
• Large group crisis interventions
• Small group crisis interventions
• Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Minds on the Frontline E37: Strength through support Featuring Brett Key, Warrior’s Rest Foundation
In this episode, Brett Key, co-founder and executive director of Warrior’s Rest Foundation (www.warriorsrestfoundation.org), shares insights from his 26-year law enforcement career and his mission to support first responders’ mental health. Warrior’s Rest Foundation, rooted in peer support and specialized training, provides essential mental and emotional care to frontline workers across Oklahoma and beyond. Brett discusses the collaborative efforts between Warrior’s Rest and FST5 to improve access to mental health resources, highlighting the shared commitment to building resilient networks that empower frontline workers to confront the unique pressures of their roles.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast – E36: Heroes are also human – with Brandon Evans
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Evans, a firefighter, researcher, and founder of Fire to Light. Drawing from over a decade of frontline experience, Brandon shares his journey of addressing mental health challenges in the firefighting community. Through his international study, “Heroes Are Also Human,” he highlights gaps in awareness, stigma, and the need for proactive support. Brandon’s work advocates for a cultural shift, prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical health in all frontline agencies.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Visit www.firetolight.org for more information about the Heroes Are Also Human Study.
Minds on the Frontline E35 – A sit down with Representative Joe Tate, Michigan Speaker of the House
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Tate, Michigan’s Speaker of the House and State Representative for the 10th District. Speaker Tate’s story is one of service, resilience, and leadership, shaped by his experiences as the son of a Detroit firefighter, a professional athlete, a Marine, and a public servant. We explore how his background influenced his understanding of the mental health challenges faced by frontline workers, and discuss his military service, family legacy, and the critical importance of mental health resources for those in high-stress professions. Tate also shares his insights on legislative efforts in Michigan to expand mental health services for frontline workers, including screening initiatives and support for long-term resilience.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E34) – When Tragedy Strikes
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.
During this episode, we dive deep into what happens after a frontline worker completes suicide. Mike and Manisha will guide us through the critical steps and immediate actions that need to be taken. We discuss the importance of timely notification, the complexities of managing emotions, and the necessity of planning for preemptive support systems. Whether it’s the challenging logistics of taking crews out of service or the delicate task of informing an entire department, this conversation highlights the practical strategies and emotional intelligence needed to navigate the aftermath of such a tragic event.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E33) – Suicide Prevention: Spot the Signs. Save a Life.
In this episode, we welcome back Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager and a clinical psychotherapist specializing in trauma. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers. Throughout this episode, Mike, Manisha, and I continue our crucial conversation on suicide prevention, providing key insights on how to recognize behavioral changes and verbal cues that may signal suicidal thoughts. We also discuss how to approach and communicate with someone who might be experiencing these thoughts, sharing best practices and highlighting what to avoid in these challenging conversations. Finally, we provide actionable steps that can be taken to support suicide prevention efforts within your community, emphasizing the crucial role that family, friends, and available resources play in reducing stigma and encourage seeking help.
After the interview, we delve into three deeply personal stories that underscore the real-life impact of suicide and the importance of seeking help. Each story serves as a powerful emotional wrap-up to the episode, highlighting the urgency of addressing suicide within our communities.
Kristie Buruse – Retired 911 Dispatcher – Survivor of Suicidal Ideation: Kristie Buruse shares her journey from suicidal ideation to finding hope through therapy and peer support. Her story underscores the importance of reaching out and the life-changing impact of the right help.
Steve Dluzynski – Police Officer – Best Friend and Fellow Officer Completed Suicide: Officer Steve recounts the devastating loss of a close colleague to suicide, highlighting the importance of having difficult conversations and the lasting impact on those left behind. His message is a powerful reminder that reaching out can save lives.
Ashley Freeman – EMT – Father Completed Suicide: Ashley Freeman reflects on the pain of losing her father to suicide and the challenges of navigating life without him. She urges others to seek help, reminding us that it’s okay to find joy even amid grief.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E32) – Rhythms of Resilience: Annabelle’s Story
In this episode, we speak with Annabelle Sharp, a firefighter and paramedic, who shares her deeply personal journey through the grief that followed her father’s suicide in 2016. Annabelle turned to music as a lifeline, using songwriting to express her emotions and find healing. Her latest album, “Beyond Bishop,” is a heartfelt tribute to her father and others lost too soon, embodying the pain and hope she’s experienced.
Annabelle discusses how music became a crucial outlet for her emotions and offers valuable insights for frontline leaders on supporting the mental and behavioral health of their teams. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the incredible power of music to heal even the deepest wounds.
You can find Annabelle’s album, “Beyond Bishop,” on all major platforms, and connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Social Media:
• Instagram: @annabellesharp_music & @annabelle__sharp
• TikTok: @Annabelle.sharp
• YouTube: Annabellesharpmusic
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast (E31) – The Emotional Side of Retirement Planning
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Perna, a retired firefighter and paramedic who served 25 years with the City of Warren. Steve shares his journey through the emotional challenges of a career in the fire service, from intense call volumes to the pressures of transitioning to an administrative role. He discusses the pivotal moment when he realized it was time to retire and how seeking therapy helped him prepare for a healthier transition into retirement. Steve’s story highlights the importance of mental health support throughout your career, emphasizing that retirement preparation isn’t just about finances. It is also about being emotionally ready for the next chapter.
Be sure to check out Steve’s woodcraft on Instagram and at pernawoodcraftdesign.com.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.