Trauma Therapy for First Responders
First responders serve on the front lines of some of the most high-stress and emotionally challenging circumstances. We offer therapy for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and others who carry the bulk of responsibility, assisting the public when they’re hurt, in danger and when our community is most at risk. They frequently deal with death, violence, and situations that put their own safety at risk. Many however, suffer in silence.
The facts on first responders and the importance of mental health support and therapy
Event though first responders are five times more likely to experience depression or PTSD (The Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders), they can be reluctant to seek help. Seven out ten first responders say mental health services are seldom utilized if at all in their organizations. The stigma attached to mental health and the need to get help, can prevent first responders from accessing vital services they need to address and heal traumatic experiences that happen on the job.
Here are some other important facts to highlight the need for therapy for first responders:
- Some individuals with ADHD also display difficulty regulating emotions
- Although the exact cause of ADHD isn’t known in most cases, it’s been estimated that more than 84 million people are affected by ADHD around the world
- It’s a disorder that is more commonly diagnosed in childhood but ADHD can also present itself in adulthood as well
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Common symptoms that can be addressed with therapy for first responders
The impact of traumatic incidents experienced at work have a far reaching effect on first responders, their families and the communities they serve. Some of the common symptoms and behavioural concerns include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Suicide or suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse and self medication
- Anger management issues
Not only can therapy help first responders to cope with the negative effects of trauma, but first responders can better equip themselves to serve at-risk populations that are affected by mental health disorders themselves.
If you or a first responder you care about is facing difficulty coping with their mental health, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Equinox Therapeutic. Members of our team specialize in supporting first-responders suffering from PTSD and we can help you begin the journey of healing.
If you’d like to set up a consultation to find out more, send us a message.
Empower yourself!
Find out more information about our services.
To figure out if therapy is right for you, talk to one of our registered psychologists or counsellors.