The Life Of A First Responder

LE PTSD Awareness video

I know this is a somewhat taboo subject for some, but that is exactly why I made this video. This is an extremely important issue and needs to be talked about and solved. We sure can't change this reality by ignoring it. (Tips, for anyone suffering from PTSD and thoughts about suicide, are below.)

Thank you! (either active duty or retired) Because you are serving/served in one of the toughest jobs in the world, you are a strong person. In fact, you are the strongest, most caring person I know. That's why respect you guys so much. You care enough about the safety of the people in your communities to help them in their time of need. You've seen what you've seen, so they don't have to. That in itself is a sacrifice to make.

Talk to your coworkers. Either if you believe you might have PTSD and/or depression, or you are concerned about this in your brothers and sisters, this one of the biggest ways you can help or get help. Many of you might think it will give you a reputation of being weak. You're not. Trust me. These people who stand by your side know what you do every day and night. They feel the same stress and trauma as you do and as PTSD awareness is becoming more common, there will be help available for you, either through your peers or supervisors.

Your safety, your peace of mind, and your family matters to me. I care about each and every one of you. So does God. I am praying for you nightly. If you would like me to add your name to my prayer list, please comment or pm me your first name and state you work in and I'll be more than happy to. And if you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here. Either put your concerns in the comment section, or private message me and I can send you my email.

badgeoflife.com

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

tel: 1-800-273-8255

Here are some useful tips, directly from a retired cop of 24 years in LE with PTSD and an attempted suicide survivor:

Learn about trauma and PTSD. It is useful for trauma survivors to learn more about common reactions to trauma and about PTSD. Find out what is normal. When you learn that the symptoms of PTSD are common, you realize that you are not alone, weak, or crazy. It helps to know your problems are shared by hundreds of thousands of others. When you seek treatment and begin to understand your response to trauma, you will be better able to cope with the symptoms of PTSD.

Talk to others for support. When survivors talk about their problems with others, something helpful often results. It is important not to isolate yourself. Instead, make efforts to be with others. Of course, you must choose your support people with care. You must also ask them clearly for what you need. With support from others, you may feel less alone and more understood.

Try some different ways to relax, including: Muscle relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, swimming, stretching, yoga, prayer, listening to quiet music, spending time in nature

Unwanted distressing memories, images, or thoughts: Remind yourself that they are just that, memories. Remind yourself that it's natural to have some memories of the trauma(s). Talk about them to someone you trust. Remember that, although reminders of trauma can feel overwhelming, they often lessen with time. Having an ongoing response to the trauma is normal.

Recovery is an ongoing, daily process. It happens little by little. It is not a matter of being cured all of a sudden. Healing doesn't mean forgetting traumatic events. It doesn't mean you will have no pain or bad feelings when thinking about them. Healing may mean fewer symptoms and symptoms that bother you less. Healing means more confidence that you will be able to cope with your memories and symptoms. You will be better able to manage your feelings.

Be prepared for setbacks... they will happen. Feeling like the trauma is happening again (flashbacks). The trauma happened in the past, and you are in the present. Get up and move around. Have a drink of water and wash your hands. Call someone you trust and tell them what is happening. Remind yourself that this is a common response after trauma. Tell your counselor or doctor about the flashback(s).

Dreams and nightmares related to the trauma: If you wake up from a nightmare in a panic, remind yourself that you are reacting to a dream. Having the dream is why you are in a panic, not because there is real danger now. You may want to get up out of bed, regroup, and orient yourself to the here and now. Engage in a pleasant, calming activity. For example, listen to some soothing music. Talk to someone if possible.

Feeling like the trauma is happening again (flashbacks): Keep your eyes open. Look around you and notice where you are. Talk to yourself. Remind yourself where you are, what year you're in, and that you are safe.

Pleasant recreational or work activities help distract a person from his or her memories and reactions. For example, art has been a way for many trauma survivors to express their feelings in a positive, creative way. Pleasant activities can improve your mood, limit the harm caused by PTSD, and help you rebuild your life. (like writing...)

Check not-an-author's story. His inspiring true story, Almost Dead, shows a journey of healing through the effects of PTSD and depression after 24 years in law enforcement. WARNING: It is mature content and would not recommend it for younger or sensitive readers.