Challenging Childhood to Fire Service: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles

Episode Number: 26

Publish Date: November 22, 2023

Host: Arjuna George

Guest: Christy Warren

Brief Description:

📚 Join retired firefighter Capt. Christy Warren as she shares her profound journey through PTSD, to her new path to healing. In this episode, we delve into Christy's personal experiences, the challenges of perfectionism, and the transformative power of vulnerability and therapy. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and hope. You are enough!

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:

🔗 BC First Responders Mental Health https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth...

🔗www.christyewarren.com

Recommendations:

📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)

📖 Book Flashpoint - A Firefighters Journey Through PTSD - Christy Warren at christyewarren.com

Bio

Christy Warren is a retired fire captain from the Berkeley Fire Department in California. She has twenty-five years of service as a professional paramedic and eighteen years as a professional firefighter/paramedic. After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2014, she retired from the fire service; since then, she has become a triathlete, completed the Escape from Alcatraz swim six times, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Washington State University. She is a volunteer Peer at the West Coast Post-trauma Retreat and hosts the podcast, The Firefighter Deconstructed. She lives in Pleasant Hill with her wife, Lisa, and dog, Harriet.

🌐http://christyewarren.com/

Connect with the Host:

🎙️Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret)

Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.

www.silverarrowco.com

www.burntaroundtheedges.com

www.beneaththehelmet.ca

Support the Show:

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Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show:

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🎧Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/firefighters-courageous-battle-with-ptsd-christy/id1676314109?i=1000635744873

🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/Firefighters-Courageous-Battle-with-PTSD-Christy-Warrens-Inspiring-Journey-e2c9sni

📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/e2OFe_ZOyx8

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🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!

0:00 video1935515702

00:07 Introduction and Welcome

01:52 Guest Introduction: Christy Warren

02:17 Christy's Early Life and Challenges

03:52 Journey into Firefighting

05:54 Struggles with Mental Health and PTSD

07:03 Impact of PTSD on Personal Life

07:55 Overcoming PTSD and Personal Growth

08:53 Reflections on Career and Identity

09:18 Dealing with Perfectionism

10:22 The Athletic Side of Christy

10:38 Writing 'Flashpoint': A Journey Through PTSD

12:07 Impact of PTSD on Life and Seeking Help

27:57 The Importance of Seeking Help for PTSD

28:18 The Impact of Impulsivity and Suicide

29:09 Turning Trauma into a Gift

31:09 Advice for the Next Generation of Firefighters

33:59 The Role of Leadership in Addressing Mental Health

37:11 Progress and Challenges in Fire Service Mental Health

39:27 The Power of Retreats in Healing

47:17 The Firefighter Deconstructed Podcast

50:59 Final Thoughts and Affirmations

52:29 Closing Remarks