First Responders

When faced with acute or prolonged stress, law enforcemnet and corrections officers, firefighters/paramedics, and coroners/medical examiners can find support with a licensed mental health professional who specialize in assisting these unique populations. Some of the examples of distress and mental health challenges that law enforcement officers face may include acute stress disorder, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, parental alienation, job burnout or impairment and suicidal thoughts among others. Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive memories about the event, flashbacks, nightmares, fear, physical tension or agitation, emotional numbness, and avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event. Research shows that people who have experienced prior trauma have a significantly higher rate to develop PTSD than those who have not. For that reason, first responders are at an increased risk because they are likely to be exposed to trauma repeatedly.

It has been proven that stress and trauma have affect one both physically and mentally. Substance abuse, depression, and suicide are other mental health issues particularly relevant to law enforcemnet officers. Some may use substances as a way to cope with the stress of their jobs, and research shows the rates of substance abuse are higher among first responders than the general population.

The rates of suicide and depression are also higher, possibly due to the many environmental stresses they face as well as repeated trauma exposure. Some responders may find it difficult to seek help due to societal expectations and idealizations of people in these profession as strong and courageous heroes who are always tough, both mentally and physically. This may lead them to deny the presence of any issue and avoid seeking help. We are a team of only a few trained therapists in the South suburbs qualified to offer CONFIDENTIAL therapy to first responders. Our goal is to help any responder and his/her family to learn how to cope with the unique stressors they face. First responder burnout, PTSD and suicide are very real.