The Secret Life Of First Responders: Episode 769 With The Real Brad Lea (TRBL)
Dec 9, 2024
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Jeremy Wood and Chris Sutherland, co-founders of Brothers in Healing, share their powerful journeys as former SWAT officers battling PTSD. They discuss the hidden struggles of first responders and the vital importance of seeking help. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of traumatic incidents, including a school shooting. The duo advocates for open discussions around mental health, emphasizes the need for specialized support, and offers hope to those facing similar challenges.
The podcast highlights the significant stigma around PTSD among first responders, emphasizing the need to change perceptions about mental health in high-stress professions.
Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD early is crucial, as withdrawal and irritability can escalate if left unaddressed, leading to further isolation and mental health deterioration.
Brothers in Healing co-founders stress the role of family support in recovery, advocating for open communication and education on PTSD to foster healing environments.
Deep dives
Acknowledging the Reality of PTSD
First responders and veterans often struggle with the stigma surrounding PTSD, believing it's a condition exclusive to combat veterans. However, many law enforcement officers like Jeremy Wood and Chris Sutherland have faced severe trauma from their work, leading them to realize that PTSD can affect those in active duty roles as well. The belief that first responders are invulnerable or simply tough out the pain can prevent them from seeking help. This harmful mindset must change to better support individuals who are experiencing trauma-related symptoms.
The Symptoms and Signs of PTSD
Common signs of PTSD include a withdrawal from activities once enjoyed, increased irritability, and a pervasive sense of despair. Individuals often start avoiding crowds, experience mood swings, or develop unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. The failure to recognize these changes can lead to increased isolation and diminished mental health. Early identification of symptoms is crucial for first responders to seek appropriate help and support before matters worsen.
The Urgent Need for Training and Support
There is a pressing need for law enforcement agencies to provide mental health training and resources for officers, especially concerning the psychological aftermath of traumatic incidents. Traditional training programs often fail to address mental health, focusing primarily on tactics and physical safety. By fostering an environment that encourages vulnerability and open dialogue about mental health, departments can reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help. Engaging in regular psychological check-ups can ultimately lead to healthier, more effective first responders.
Personal Journeys to Healing
Both Wood and Sutherland shared their personal experiences with PTSD and the journey toward healing, which included intensive treatment programs. Through therapy modalities such as EMDR, they learned to process their trauma, which was previously suppressed. They emphasized that opening up about their experiences and seeking help greatly improved their mental well-being. Their stories exemplify the transformative potential of recognizing and treating PTSD within first responder communities.
The Role of Families in Recovery
Support from family members plays a crucial role in the recovery process for those dealing with PTSD. Encouraging open communication and creating a safe space for dialogue can alleviate the discomfort associated with sharing trauma-related experiences. Both Wood and Sutherland highlight the importance of educating families on the signs of PTSD so they can offer support before situations escalate. Understanding that internal struggles can manifest in various feelings and actions will foster supportive home environments.
Brothers in Healing: A New Path Forward
Wood and Sutherland co-founded Brothers in Healing to create a nonprofit organization focused on helping first responders and veterans deal with trauma and PTSD. Through their efforts, they aim to reduce the suicide rates among these populations and provide access to necessary treatment. They continue to raise awareness of the importance of mental health resources and training in law enforcement. Their commitment to advocacy reflects a dedication to ensuring that no first responder feels alone in their fight against mental health challenges.
Welcome Back! Today, we have a powerful episode of Dropping Bombs. I'm your host Brad Lea and today I sat down with guests Jeremy Wood and Chris Sutherland, co-founders of Brothers in Healing, a nonprofit organization supporting First Responders, veterans, and others dealing with PTSD, this is an awesome cause! Jeremy and Chris share their personal journeys as SWAT officers who faced life-altering trauma, including PTSD, and overcame it through specialized treatment. Together, they shed light on the hidden struggles of First Responders and offer hope and solutions for those battling similar challenges. This is one episode that can touch the hearts of all listeners whether you, yourself are dealing with trauma and PTSD or know someone who is. Don’t miss this one…
What You'll Learn: Listeners will learn how trauma profoundly impacts First Responders, the importance of addressing PTSD with proper support and training, and actionable steps to help themselves or others overcome its challenges.
