Keynote Speaker Cultivating Wellness, Mental Health and Resilience through a Vicarious Trauma-Informed Approach
Jessica Flores embodies resilience. Faced with a challenging journey marked by injury and forced retirement, she delved into the depths of her being, discovering an unwavering strength to navigate her trials. What sets her apart is not just the determination to overcome her ordeal, but a steadfast focus on the future—the "Next Shift" in her life. What sets you apart? Are you resilient? Resilience, as exemplified by Jessica, emerges as a pivotal factor in the art of survival. She sheds light on constructive ways to fortify resilience, offering a beacon of hope in the fight against suicide. Jason M. Palamara and I noted in Chapter 10 of Living Blue that the keys to resilience lie in mental health professionals attuned to the unique challenges faced by LEOs, impactful awareness campaigns, and the power of peer-to-peer programs. Mental Health Professionals Who Understand LEOS Mental health professionals may not understand the stressors of LEOs, or be vetted or culturally competent to recognize their numerous cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations (IACP, 2023). Agencies must seek out mental health professionals who understand the culture, and the stressors and have the therapeutic skills to work with LEOs. These professionals need to be aware of best practices to screen for chronic suicidal ideation, intent, and planning, which are risk factors for attempts and suicide. LEOs with a persistent suicidal state may not respond well to typical crisis management strategies and need trained professionals in evidence-based, suicide-specific care related to officers, or a treatment plan won’t work. Awareness Campaigns Although they may resist getting help, they won’t resist talking to someone if it will make them feel stronger. Most officers don’t have a clue as to who to reach out to. An awareness campaign about who to call and what to do might help. Peer-to-Peer Programs Peer-to-peer programs can prevent intentional self-directed violence. There are trained peers who are part of the police community that can help them manage their suicidal thoughts. In the symphony of life, resilience plays a harmonious note, echoing the strength needed to face adversity and embrace, as Jessica notes, the "Next Shift" with unwavering resolve. #suicideprevention #vicarioustrauma #compassionfatigue #lawenforcementofficer
Co-Founder, Living Blue Apparel. Author, Speaker, Coach. The Cold Case Consultant.
Patrol officer, detective, and sergeant were the titles Jessica Flores held as a LEO before an injury ended her career. Jessica pulled from her experience and started to think about what was next in life. She didn’t let her past hold her back rather, she used it as fuel for what would become her next shift. Barbara Rubel, Compassion Fatigue Speaker and I felt that The Life Beyond Law Enforcement chapter of Living Blue was the perfect spot to highlight Jessica’s wisdom for how to prepare for the day where you no longer wear the uniform. The transition period in leaving a career as a LEO and then back to civilian life is one filled with many complexities. I am glad there are people like Jessica sharing their stories so that others may have a smoother transition when it is their time to retire. Read what Jessica has to say on page 308 of Living Blue!
Next Shift Strategist Prior👮🏽helping LEOs ditch the "just a cop" mindset by focusing on who THEY are & leveraging their UNIQUE skills, so they can confidently transition into their Next Shift, with purpose.
8moWow Barbara Rubel, Compassion Fatigue Speaker you have such a way with words and lifting others up! I appreciate you and your support along this journey! Thank you so much! 💙