According to research data produced in 2018 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center, depression and PTSD disproportionately affect first responders in the United States as compared to the population at-large.
Here are some quick facts:
- Depression and/or PTSD affect about 1 in 3 first responders
- 37 percent of fire and emergency medical services professionals have contemplated suicide
- More firefighters in the United States die from suicide than from fires
In this article, we are going to talk about exactly why this is the case, and then give recommendations for first responders and their families to move forward.
The Culture of First Responders
Based on the facts listed above, it’s obvious that the first responder population could significantly benefit from therapeutic intervention.
However, oftentimes members of this population are the least likely to ask for help.
So why is it so difficult for first responders to address their mental health?
First off, many first responders feel that it is their duty to suffer. They believe that because they have chosen a profession that calls for intense and traumatic situations, they don’t believe that they are entitled to ask for help.
Secondly, a large portion of the first responder population view counseling, therapy, and mental health services as useless. They believe that because many social workers have not had to endure the same challenges, those individuals will not be able to provide them with the resources and advice they need to get well.
This leads to first responders turning to one another for relief. While it’s deeply important for first responders to build this community, it can also lead to a spiral effect where it’s difficult to see beyond the world in which they exist.
A Potential Solution for First Responders
Ascended Warrior was founded on the idea that when veterans and first responders come together to recognize their higher purpose through spirituality, healing can begin to take place.
Founder Chris Alyssia created Ascended Warrior to honor, support and empower individuals left behind by the system to build the life skills needed to integrate and thrive in the world.
It’s not therapy, it’s not religion, it’s not empty advice.
As a veteran herself, Chris Alyssia knows what it means to hurt. She knows it’s impossible to explain the sacrifices you make as a first responder. Her program works to reckon with the wounds and scars to cultivate better relationships and live more fully.
Ascended Warrior is a call to vulnerability. It asks veterans and first responders to come together as a community. However, instead of a community that perpetuates cycles of doubt and fear, she’s created a research-based program designed to help you to discover your divine blueprint.
Are you ready to make the leap towards healing?
Contact me today to learn more about how first responders just like you can benefit from spiritual healing.
Your divine mission is waiting for you to discover. Take the leap of faith!