What You Need to Know about Fire Fighters in Recovery
Family members and loved ones of fire fighters have one of the most important roles in the fire service - being the support to someone who spends his/her time saving others.
mental health
PTSD and Firefighters
Check out this informative article about the rates of PTSD in firefighters.
The article has several links to resources that will help with understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and coping skills for PTSD.
Click here to read the article - PTSD Rates in Firefighters
Proven Treatments for PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. After being involved in traumatic events themselves or witnessing traumatic events, it is common for most people to experience symptoms like upsetting memories, bad memories, and trouble sleeping (ptsd.va.gov). However, if the symptoms continue longer than a month or several months, a diagnosis of PTSD is possible and you would want to meet with a mental health provider for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
The Practice of Mindfulness
We’ve all heard the word “mindfulness” being thrown around lately as if it’s a new trend. The truth is, the practice of mindfulness has been around for quite some time! Traditionally and historically practiced in Western cultures, the practice of mindfulness has been shown to have numerous benefits. Mindfulness, depending on who you ask, can have several meanings. However, at the most basic level, the concept of mindfulness simply means intentionally and purposefully paying attention to the present moment without judgment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994, as cited in Williams, 2017).
Texas Neuro Rehab Center
Residential treatment center that includes behavioral health and substance abuse treatment for children (8+ years old) and adults. Services include medical detox, short term evaluation, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment.
Rosecrance Florian Program
This program is for uniformed service personnel and offers the best opportunity for lasting recovery by incorporating occupational factors into the treatment process. Daniel DeGryse, an active-duty Battalion Chief/EMT with more than 27 years of experience at the Chicago Fire Department and 30 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health, directs the Rosecrance Florian Program.
Cedar Crest Hospital
Facility that provides mental health and substance abuse treatment for children, adolescents, adults, senior adults, and military servicemen and women. Treating substance abuse and mental health issues with tailored inpatient, residential and outpatient programs.
Share The Load (Fire/EMS Helpline)
A program run by the National Volunteer Fire Council. They have a help line, text based help service, and have also collected a list of many good resources for people looking for help and support.
