Category Archives: Fire

10 Practical Tips to Effectively Manage a First Responder Schedule

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First Responders can maintain work-life balance with the right strategies and outlook

First Responders play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Their schedules are demanding, often involving long shifts and unpredictable hours. In today’s world, it can be challenging to find and maintain a healthy work/life balance no matter the occupation. Managing a first responder schedule present even more obstacles (especially during the holidays) but, with the right plan of action and mindset, it’s possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance and excel in this critical profession.

Click the link below to read the 10 recommended tips by The Shelter Foundation:

https://www.theshelterfoundation.org/blog/10-tips-to-effectively-manage-first-responder-schedule

I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet

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Is it stress or anxiety?

Life can be stressful—you may feel stressed about performance at school, traumatic events (such as a pandemic, a natural disaster, or an act of violence), or a life change. Everyone feels stress from time to time.

What is stress? Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.

What is anxiety? Anxiety is your body’s reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat.

If that anxiety doesn’t go away and begins to interfere with your life, it could affect your health. You could experience problems with sleeping, or with your immune, digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. You also may be at higher risk for developing a mental illness such as an anxiety disorder or depression. Read more about anxiety disorders.

So, how do you know when to seek help?

Stress vs. Anxiety

StressBoth Stress and AnxietyAnxiety
Generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend.Goes away once the situation is resolved.Can be positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline, or it may cause you to lose sleep.
Both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body. You may experience symptoms such as:Excessive worryUneasinessTensionHeadaches or body painHigh blood pressureLoss of sleep		Generally is internal, meaning it’s your reaction to stress.Usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn’t go away, and that interferes with how you live your life.Is constant, even if there is no immediate threat.

It’s important to manage your stress.

Everyone experiences stress, and sometimes that stress can feel overwhelming. You may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if it feels like you can’t manage the stress and if the symptoms of your stress:

  • Interfere with your everyday life.
  • Cause you to avoid doing things.
  • Seem to be always present.

Coping With Stress and Anxiety

Learning what causes or triggers your stress and what coping techniques work for you can help reduce your anxiety and improve your daily life. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Here are some activities you can try when you start to feel overwhelmed:

  • Keep a journal.
  • Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, which is a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment.
  • Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.
  • Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
  • Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee.
  • Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way.

Recognize When You Need More Help

If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of the two.

If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Read more about getting help.

More Resources

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8125

How to Tell When Your Stress Level is Becoming Harmful

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NAMI is partnering with #FirstRespondersFirst to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in frontline health care and public safety professionals. In today’s blog, Alexandra Hayes writes about identifying signs of stress and simple strategies to help reduce stress before burnout takes over.

As a first responder — whether you’re a home health aide, social worker, community health worker, nurse, or physician — you know that stress is a part of the job, and you likely have some strategies to keep yours at bay. But in the face of today’s unprecedented health crisis, your stress levels may reach new heights as you take on the responsibility of helping at the front lines.

When left unmanaged, chronic stress can weaken your immune system, lead to burnout, and rob you of the reason you wanted to do this critical work in the first place. You can’t control a lot when it comes to this virus, like the exposure you have to other people’s suffering, or how many patients you may need to treat with the resources you have, but with the right strategies, you can change how you respond to these distressing situations.

Read More…

The exercise pill: How exercise keeps your brain healthy and protects it against depression and anxiety

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As with many other physicians, recommending physical activity to patients was just a doctor chore for me – until a few years ago. That was because I myself was not very active. Over the years, as I picked up boxing and became more active, I got firsthand experience of positive impacts on my mind. I also started researching the effects of dance and movement therapies on trauma and anxiety in refugee children, and I learned a lot more about the neurobiology of exercise.

I am a psychiatrist and neuroscientist researching the neurobiology of anxiety and how our interventions change the brain. I have begun to think of prescribing exercise as telling patients to take their “exercise pills.” Now knowing the importance of exercising, almost all my patients commit to some level of exercise, and I have seen how it benefits several areas of their life and livelihood.

We all have heard details on how exercise improves musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic and other aspects of health. What you may not know is how this happens within the brain.

How exercise improves the brain.

Brain biology and growth


Working out regularly really does change the brain biology, and it is not just “go walk and you will just feel better.” Regular exercise, especially cardio, does change the brain. Contrary to what some may think, the brain is a very plastic organ. Not only are new neuronal connections formed every day, but also new cells are generated in important areas of the brain. One key area is the hippocampus, which is involved in learning and memory and regulating negative emotions.

A molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor helps the brain produce neurons, or brain cells. A variety of aerobic and high-intensity interval training exercises significantly increase BDNF levels. There is evidence from animal research that these changes are at epigenetic level, which means these behaviors affect how genes are expressed, leading to changes in the neuronal connections and function.

Moderate exercise also seems to have anti-inflammatory effects, regulating the immune system and excessive inflammation. This is important, given the new insight neuroscience is gaining into the potential role of inflammation in anxiety and depression.

Finally, there is evidence for the positive effects of exercise on the neurotransmitters – brain chemicals that send signals between neurons – dopamine and endorphins. Both of these are involved in positive mood and motivation.

Exercise improves clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression


Researchers also have examined the effects of exercise on measurable brain function and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise improves memory function, cognitive performance and academic achievement. Studies also suggest regular exercise has a moderate effect on depressive symptoms even comparable to psychotherapy. For anxiety disorders, this effect is mild to moderate in reducing anxiety symptoms. In a study that I conducted with others among refugee children, we found a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and PTSD among children who attended eight to 12 weeks of dance and movement therapies.

Exercise could even potentially desensitize people to physical symptoms of anxiety. That is because of the similarity between bodily effects of exercise, specifically high-intensity exercise, and those of anxiety, including shortness of breath, heart palpitation and chest tightness. Also, by reducing baseline heart rate, exercise might lead to signaling of a calmer internal physical environment to the brain.

It is important to note that the majority of studies examined the effects of exercise in isolation and not in combination with other effective treatments of clinical anxiety and depression, such as psychotherapy and medication. For the same reason, I am not suggesting exercise as a replacement for necessary mental health care of depression or anxiety, but as part of it, and for prevention.

Many people have created outdoor gyms during the pandemic. Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images, CC BY-SA

There are other perks besides the neurobiological impacts of exercise. When going out for a walk, one gets more exposure to sunlight, fresh air and nature. One of my patients befriended a neighbor during her regular walks, leading to regular taco Tuesdays with that new friend. I have made some great friends at my boxing gym, who are not only my motivators, but also a great supporting social network. One might pick a dog as their running mate, and another might meet a new date, or enjoy the high energy at the gym. Exercise can also function as a mindfulness practice and a respite from common daily stressors, and from our electronic devices and TV.

By increasing energy and fitness level, exercise can also improve self-image and self-esteem.

[Understand new developments in science, health and technology, each week. Subscribe to The Conversation’s science newsletter.]

Practical ways for a busy life


So how can you find time to exercise, especially with all the additional time demands of the pandemic, and the limitations imposed by the pandemic such as limited access to the gyms?

  • Pick something you can love. Not all of us have to run on a treadmill (I actually hate it). What works for one person might not work for another. Try a diverse group of activities and see which one you will like more: running, walking, dancing, biking, kayaking, boxing, weights, swimming. You can even rotate between some or make seasonal changes to avoid boredom. It does not even have to be called an exercise. Whatever ups your heartbeat, even dancing with the TV ads or playing with the kids.
  • Use positive peer pressure to your advantage. I have created a group messaging for the boxing gym because at 5:30 p.m., after a busy day at the clinic, I might have trouble finding the motivation to go to the gym or do an online workout. It is easier when friends send a message they are going and motivate you. And even if you do not feel comfortable going to a gym during the pandemic, you can join an online workout together.
  • Do not see it as all or none. It does not have to be a one-hour drive to and from the gym or biking trail for a one-hour workout vs. staying on the couch. I always say to my patients: “One more step is better than none, and three squats are better than no squats.” When less motivated, or in the beginning, just be nice to yourself. Do as much as possible. Three minutes of dancing with your favorite music still counts.
  • Merge it with other activities: 15 minutes of walking while on the phone with a friend, even around the house, is still being active.
  • When hesitant or low on motivation, ask yourself: “When was the last time I regretted doing it?”
  • Although it can help, exercise is not the ultimate weight loss strategy; diet is. One large brownie might be more calories than one hour of running. Don’t give up on exercise if you are not losing weight. It is still providing all the benefits we discussed.

Even if you do not feel anxious or depressed, still take the exercise pills. Use them for protecting your brain.

Exercise to reduce anxiety and depression

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Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and associate professor at Wayne State University. He serves as the director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC). His clinical work is mainly focused on anxiety and trauma related disorders, and PTSD in civilians, first responders, law enforcement, and refugees and victims of torture and human trafficking. His clinic utilizes pharmacotherapy (medication), psychotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modification to help patients achieve their full capacity for a fulfilling life.

His research is also focused on anxiety disorders and trauma. Several research studies at the STARC examine the impact of exposure to war trauma in adults and children Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the US, and biological and psychological factors of risk and resilience. This research examines genetic, environmental, and inflammation correlates of trauma as well. Also, use of art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress.

STARC also researches neurobiology of psychotherapy, and utilization of augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for providing in vivo treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD. Dr Javanbakht has a special interest in the “personal meaning” of trauma: how does personal interpretation of a traumatic experience affect the way an individual is affected by it.

Dr Javanbakht’s work has been frequently featured on the CNN, Aljazeera, NPR, Washington Post, Smithsonian, PBS, American Psychiatric Association Press Briefing, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and tens of other media outlets.

Suicide Prevention Month 2022

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Developing Effective and Safe Messaging for Suicide Prevention Month Strategy, Positive Narrative, Safety, Guidelines

How we publicly communicate and talk about suicide can have either negative or positive impacts on help-seeking behaviors. In fact, research has found that certain types of public messaging about suicide can increase risk among vulnerable individuals. On the other hand, communications can also be a powerful tool to promote resiliency, encourage help-seeking, and highlight effective prevention efforts.
The Action Alliance’s Framework for Successful Messaging, highlighted during the webinar Developing and Delivering Effective Suicide Prevention Messaging: We All Play A Role, outlines the key components to consider when messaging to the public about suicide, including: identifying a strategy, ensuring safety, conveying a positive narrative, and following applicable guidelines.

Strategy

The strategy component refers to the upfront thinking and planning that is done to help messages succeed and resonate with people. Some best practices when it comes to the strategy include:

Consider the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your message (e.g., who is my audience? what is my goal?).
Don’t start with a particular channel or message in mind.
Shift from ‘communicating for awareness’ to ‘communicating for action’ (e.g. include action steps your audience can take as a result of your message).
Safety

The safety component focuses on how to avoid potentially harmful messages and content. When it comes to safety, some best practices include:

Screen content before sharing it.
Be consistent in keeping safety in mind.
Be mindful of safety when sharing stories about individual suicide attempts or deaths.
Accurately convey suicide as a complex issue with no single cause (e.g., avoid messaging that implies there was a single cause, like bullying or PTSD, behind a suicide).
Highlight solutions, rather than problems.
Make sure data, if used, are strategic, safe, and prevention-focused (e.g., the number of people who sought help, or the number of people who reached out to support someone).
Use non-stigmatizing language (e.g., died by suicide instead of committed suicide).
Positive Narrative

The positive narrative component is focused on increasing the frequency of public messaging that promotes the positive aspects of suicide prevention. Some best practices for following a positive narrative include:

Highlight actions that people can take to help prevent suicide (e.g., how people can #BeThere for someone who is struggling).
Reinforce that prevention works.
Convey that resiliency is possible.
Share that effective programs and services exist, and help is available.
Avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes or misconceptions (e.g. avoid messages that focus on stigma, and instead share messages of hope, help-seeking, and resiliency).
Guidelines

Once your strategy is developed, it’s important to follow best practice guidelines. There are guidelines available for a variety of channels, settings, populations, and topics, which can be found here.

As you continue planning for Suicide Prevention Month (#SPM22) this September, utilize the Framework for Successful Messaging to ensure your messaging aligns with these evidence-based best practices and promotes hope and help-seeking.

Highlighting the Role of All Americans
The Action Alliance, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Education Development Center, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and The Harris Poll, conducted a national survey to better understand the general public’s perceptions on mental health, suicide, and suicide prevention. According to the survey, Americans overwhelmingly (93 percent) believe that suicide can be prevented, and most (95 percent) would take action to help someone close to them who was thinking about suicide. In addition, in the wake of COVID-19, a majority of those surveyed say it’s more important than ever to make suicide prevention a national priority (81 percent).

However, the survey also found that most respondents identified barriers that keep them from discussing suicide with others (69 percent). These barriers included not knowing what to say (31 percent), feeling they don’t have enough knowledge (28 percent), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19 percent).

These findings emphasize the importance of equipping all Americans with the necessary tools and resources to feel empowered to have these conversations, including providing the concrete, actionable steps they can take when it comes to suicide prevention. As we prepare for Suicide Prevention Month (#SPM22) in September, consider ways to encourage the public to be there for someone who might be struggling or is in crisis. Some examples of how someone can #BeThere include:

Check in with a friend by phone or text message to see how they are doing.
Invite a friend to meet for a physically-distanced coffee or meal together.
Send a handwritten card to let someone know you are thinking of them.
Learn the risk factors and warning signs.
Help connect someone who is struggling to professional care.
Share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number (800-273-8255), which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. For specialized care, military veterans may press ‘1.’
Note, starting July 16, 2022, those experiencing a suicide or mental health related crisis in the U.S. can call, text, or chat 988, which will connect folks to the existing Lifeline network of call centers. Learn more via: https://samhsa.gov/988.
Together, we are changing the conversation about suicide by countering myths and fear with information and action steps everyone can take. We all have a role to play in suicide prevention, not only during the month of September but all year long. To learn more, visit the Action Alliance’s #BeThere page.

Wayne State University launches new website, call line to address first responder stress

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The Wayne State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the State of Michigan have launched a new website and phone line to provide assistance and training for the state’s first responders and their families confronting the stresses they face in their everyday duties.

The Frontline Strong Together (www.fst5.org) website and call line (1-833-34-STRONG) were created by first responders and mental health experts. The site provides 24/7 live support, effective resources and cutting-edge services to prevent and alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other work-related mental health challenges.

Mental health experts from Wayne State University and Wayne Health teamed with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) and representatives of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Department of Corrections, paramedics and dispatchers to develop the program. A $2 million grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services funded the development of education, training, support and behavioral health treatment services by the WSU Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. The programs assist police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, corrections personnel and their families in addressing and reducing sources of stress from both acute and chronic stressors.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 30 percent of first responders experience mental health disorders, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to 20 percent of the general public. Rates of suicide are higher among first responders. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public. Between 17% and 24% of public safety telecommunicators have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and 24% have symptoms of depression. The National Institute of Corrections reports that 19% of prison workers surveyed “reported symptoms that were severe enough to be diagnosed as PTSD,” a rate six times higher than that of the general population.

“Frontline Strong Together distinguishes Wayne State University in that the research we do is not in some ivory tower.”

“This is right in the trenches with the community, in real time, to develop evidence-based approaches to help as many people as possible,” said David Rosenberg, M.D., chair of the WSU Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences.

“We go where the data is and implement the best practices.”

David Rosenberg, M.D.

David Rosenberg, M.D

David Rosenberg, M.D

The training and resources made available throughout the state under Frontline Strong Together will provide support via academic-backed medical research in a state with a critical lack of support services, especially for first responders and their families. WSU psychiatrists developed and will manage a statewide clearinghouse of materials that include training videos and manuals, and train-the-trainer curriculums for use in police, firefighter and other first responders training. The website includes videos by mental health experts that provide explanations and positive techniques, and training videos for families and peers. Topics include effective language family members can use to deescalate situations; recognizing self-harm, including alcohol and substance use; psychiatric symptoms; non-violent communication; when and where to get help for mental health treatment; and coping mechanisms for stress and trauma.

Alireza Amirsadri, M.D.

Alireza Amirsadri, M.D.

Alireza Amirsadri, M.D.

“The goal of peer training is not to ‘fix’ all of the problems, but rather to know how to handle and communicate about certain situations.”

Peer support and training is a vital component of Frontline Strong Together, said Alireza Amirsadri, M.D., associate professor of WSU Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the main developer of the project. Trainees are taught in-person and through virtual platforms, and receive ongoing training.

Another critical component of the intervention program is tele-health services. A registry of mental health providers is available for referrals if a first responder prefers in-person assistance. Services include assessments, cognitive behavior therapy, medication management and outpatient therapy for mental health. Cutting-edge and innovative PTSD treatments utilizing augmented reality technology are also being developed. This technology will allow first responders to practice exposure to normal life situations they avoid due to traumatic experiences.

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MEN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION presents the 12th Annual Men’s Health Event

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Saturday, October 8, 2022
9AM – 3PM | Ford Field

FREE men’s health screenings valued over $2000 for
• High Blood Pressure
• Prostate Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Diabetes
• Oral Cancer
• Skin Cancer
• Heart Disease
• HIV and more!


Free Haircuts for Men
Free Lunch for Attendees
Job Fair
Women’s Section – thank you for bringing the men you love!
TheMensHealthEvent.com | 1-855-66-HELP-MEN

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MEN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION presents THE BLACK WALNUT

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Terrance Afer-Anderson Award Winning Film about the impact of Prostate Cancer on African American men


Detroit’s Only Showing
Friday, September 30th at 6:30 pm
Followed by a Q&A discussion with the film’s director and leading experts from Detroit about disparities in healthcare for black men.


Free Tickets are limited
www.MIUMensHealthFoundation.org | 1-855-66-HELP-MEN
Doors open at 6:00
Wayne State’s Community Arts Center
450 Reuther Mall
Detroit, MI 48202

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MiCAL is HIRING REMOTE WORKERS

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Common Ground’s statewide crisis hotline, MiCAL (Michigan Integrated Crisis & Access Line) is HIRING REMOTE WORKERS.

  • Full and Part-Time
  • Extremely generous PTO
  • Competitive Benefits

About You

The ideal Frontline Strong Specialist is a resilient, devoted individual with either current or previous experience as a First Responder. If you wish to positively impact the lives of First Responders throughout Michigan, we invite you to apply!

The selected candidate will participate in a mandatory, virtual 100-hour Crisis Intervention Training program to ensure they are set up for success in this role.

What you need to apply

  • Permanent year-round Michigan residency
  • Current or previous First Responder experience (law enforcement officer, safety officer, paramedic, EMT, firefighter, etc.)
  • Experience providing immediate support during prevention, response, and recovery operations
  • High School Diploma or GED At-home high speed internet on a private network
  • A private, HIPAA compliant, dedicated at-home office space

For your hard work

  • Opportunity for professional growth
  • Employer paid training
  • Paid Time Off, Floating Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays
  • Fringe benefits

Common Ground is a community-crisis organization that has been in existence for over 50 years. Our purpose: helping people move from crisis to hope. At Common Ground, we help individuals and families who are experiencing crises of any kind, from suicide to substance abuse, human trafficking, mental illness and more.

Common Ground is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status, among other factors.

Full job description: https://commongroundhelps.applicantpro.com/jobs/job_description_files.php?id=2378741&site_id=1330

Apply online: commongroundhelps.applicantpro.com

Find out more at https://commongroundhelps.org

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Getting Help for Mental Health

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About one in five Americans live with a mental health condition. If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to know that help is available.

Your mental health matters
Mental health is your overall mental well-being. It’s shaped by your life experiences, relationships, physical health, family health history, and environment.

Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can affect how you feel and think and can make it hard to complete everyday tasks. If you’re dealing with mental health issues or illness, you are not alone.

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Being Informed to Trauma

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Behavior can be a result of past experiences, and knowing a person’s past can help you better engage with those who have experienced trauma.

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What Trauma Taught Me About Resilience

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That resilience is one of the most important traits to have, is critical to their happiness and success, & can be learned.Adept at leveraging transparency to inspire and get results, this former College Recruiting, Talent Management, Diversity, and Supply Chain leader left the corporate world to fulfill his vision of building unbreakable spirits and cultivating resiliency for those who, like him, have The Audacity to Succeed.

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The Aching Red: Firefighters Often Silently Suffer from Trauma and Job-related Stress

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Matthew was exposed to unimaginable scenes of pain and suffering in his job over more than a decade as a firefighter. The last straw came when he witnessed the death of a teenager – who was the same age as his son – from an overdose.

“The worst part is when you see an infant or a child die,” he told me during a visit. “Exposure to their family’s pain – and that you could not save that life – is very heartbreaking.” Matthew, for whom I’m using a pseudonym to protect his privacy, was being treated at my clinic for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

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Logan: Addiction

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Young vetern talks about overcoming addiction and a destructive lifestyle through allowing another vetern to positively speak into his life.

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Understanding the Role of the 911 Dispatcher

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In more than 6,000 public safety answering points (PSAPs) around the nation, an unsung hero plays a key role. They help save lives and property, are masters of multitasking, and serve as a vital link between first responders and the community. This unsung hero is the 911 dispatcher.

Dispatchers’ work environments are often dark, windowless buildings. However, as they intently study at a complicated computer interface and city map, dispatchers must keep calm during stressful situations and possess sound decision-making abilities to route police officers, firefighters, and EMTS to help callers during emergency situations.

Read on to better understand what 911 dispatchers do, the tools they use, and how to improve teamwork among dispatchers and emergency services.

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Causes of Stress for Correctional Officers

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Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day. Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. Statistics show that correctional officers have higher rates of divorce, PTSD, severe depression and suicide. Much of this can be attributed to stress from traumatic events and/or sustained, cumulative stress.

Critical stress undermines correctional officers’ confidence, resilience and ability to cope. Each aspect of the job, including inmate interactions, workplace environment and resulting home life, can contribute to the build-up of this stress. Without proper support and effort, both officers and the entire organization may experience the consequences of critical stress.

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First Responder Toolkit

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First responders, no matter the role, are some of the truly unsung heroes in our cities and neighborhoods. Whether you’re putting your own lives on the line, providing emergency support or any of the other countless tasks associated with the job, each role is crucial in maintaining a safe place to live and work. However, while being a first responder is a demanding (and rewarding) career, the long hours, the possibility of injuries and the physical and mental traumas that can occur on the job can make it difficult to separate your work life from your personal life.

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