First Responders

You are Our True Heroes

You put yourself in harms way encountering danger, chaos, and tragedy on a daily basis to keep us safe.

I thank you for your service and recognize that your work requires enduring high levels of stress at times.

Life is difficult when we think we can “handle it on our own” and don’t seek support.

“Be strong for others” and “I’ve got this,” are understandable loner mentalities, but you know what, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Sometimes heroes need a little help from time to time and that’s okay. After all, you’re not invincible; you’re human.

Acknowledge What’s Keeping You Stuck

Like the proverbial frog in the pot of lukewarm water that cannot gauge that he’s slowly, over time, being cooked to death as the stovetop burner temperature rises, you, too, may find yourself in a pot of boiling water and not even know it.

Over time, exposure to high levels of stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health and show up as:

• Flashbacks, nightmares, and recurring thoughts
• Emotional numbness
• Problems with food, drugs, or alcohol to numb
• Extreme worry, guilt, anger, or hopelessness
• A loss of interest in things that once gave pleasure
• Feeling anxious, on edge or jumpy, and startling easily
• Sleep disturbance
• Avoidance of people, places or things that are reminders of an unpleasant event

If you’re experiencing any one of these symptoms, you may be asking yourself “What’s wrong with me?”

Reclaim Your Emotional Footing

Counseling can help address these feelings you’re experiencing so you can gain a different perspective and change your “What’s wrong with me?” mindset to a more compassionate and empowering “This is what’s going on with me.”

I can help you to work through the stressors.

It takes great strength to admit you may need support.

Don’t buy into all the unhelpful tidbits you’ve heard about your struggles and hide or medicate your distress.