Separating work from home

It can be difficult for anyone to separate their emotions regarding their jobs and personal life. The same can be said for first responders, if not more so. Due to the sheer number of things one sees or deals with daily at work, it can be challenging to separate thoughts, feelings and emotions. Those with children at home can find it tough to be on a call when a crash or a crime involves teenagers.

While everyone is different and can have their unique response to specific situations and calls, it is more often than not the cumulative toll of these types of scenarios that impacts your mental health. These ongoing traumas can often have a lasting effect on your daily life, especially at home. 

When to get help for first responders 

Family members, or generally, significant others, are often the first to notice subtle but noticeable changes in their first responder loved ones. Signs of psychological stress that can alert them to something being wrong can show in various ways. Some of the more common are:  

  • Poor sleep

  • Unexplained irritability

  • Moodiness

  • Increased alcohol or substance use

  • Marriage and family/relationship issues

  • Changes in eating habits 

  • Vague physical ailments

Symptoms such as these, if left untreated, can manifest themselves into things such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or suicidal ideation. These stressors and traumas can impact even the most well-trained and seasoned responder anywhere and anytime. 

It can be common for loved ones who notice these changes to possibly think that you “just need some space/time” and things will work out. However, there may be instances when the stress and burdens you suffer from are too great, and that help may be needed immediately.  

The first and most challenging obstacle to address when trying to get anyone, even first responders, the mental health help they need is convincing them that they need it. As they are used to being the ones called when someone needs help, it can take some extra effort for them to realize that they, too, may need some help. 

How to start the conversation towards mental health wellness 

First, enter the discussion prepared. Often, those in need of mental health treatments may begin in a state of denial, and they may be adamant that they can handle the stress they are currently facing. Additionally, the stigma of asking for help is perceived as a weakness or a slight. While we know this perception is inaccurate, it remains a roadblock for those looking for and needing help, no matter how trained the person needing the help may be. 

If you can break through and begin that discussion about receiving mental health treatments, a spouse or family member of a first responder can help instigate that help by: 

  • Being willing to listen if/when they decide the time is right. Remember that it is important not to force them to speak if they are not ready, because that can almost always make the situation worse. 

  • Being willing to be there for them. Simply sitting in silence in a safe and friendly environment with a loved one can be a big help. 

  • Encouraging exercise. Taking a walk around the neighborhood or participating in aerobic or strength-based exercises can help them eliminate some of the excess energy they may have that comes with unmanaged emotions. 

  • Encouraging routines can help make things appear to be calmer. The sense of stability that arises with routine can help them feel like they have more control over their lives. 

  • Being patient. That’s it. Healing will take time, and it is impossible to say how long it will take for each person. No matter how long it takes, it is what someone in need of help really needs. 

  • Take care of yourself. If you cannot maintain your health and happiness, it becomes even more difficult to help those you love and are worried about. Take time to de-stress, relax and get more in tune with your thoughts, feelings and emotions to help you be the best you can be. 

Professional and specialized counseling 

Finding counselors who specialize in working with public safety professionals, especially first responders, is the next step in the healing process if you do not see any improvement over a few weeks. If necessary, you must be willing to attend counseling sessions with your loved one if asked, but it is vital that you do not feel offended or hurt if they choose to attend their counseling sessions alone. 

Family counseling can also be a great place to turn to. Having an open, honest line of communication at home can benefit all parties involved to help ease stress and tension and get to the point of why you were worried about their mental and overall wellbeing in the first place. In all, though, the first step to good mental health is admitting there is a mental health problem. With their friends, family or co-workers' support, first responders can work to identify what is bothering them and find a plan that can best help them overcome their issues.  

Source: https://inpublicsafety.com