Derek Martel’s Post

Firefighter peer support programs are essential for maintaining the mental health and well-being of firefighters, who often face high-stress and traumatic situations in the line of duty. These programs offer a structured approach for firefighters to support each other, providing a safe space to discuss their experiences, share coping strategies, and receive emotional support from colleagues who understand their unique challenges. Key benefits of firefighter peer support include: 1. **Reduced Stigma**: By fostering an environment where mental health conversations are normalized, peer support helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. 2. **Early Intervention**: Peers can often recognize signs of stress or mental health issues early, enabling timely intervention and support. 3. **Enhanced Coping Skills**: Sharing experiences and strategies within the peer group can enhance individual coping mechanisms, leading to better overall mental resilience. 4. **Sense of Community**: These programs strengthen the sense of camaraderie and trust within the fire department, contributing to a supportive work environment. 5. **Confidential Support**: Peer support programs typically emphasize confidentiality, encouraging firefighters to speak openly without fear of professional repercussions.

Firefighters, confront extraordinary challenges and dangers every day, putting their lives on the line to save others. The intensity and frequency of these experiences can take a significant toll on their mental health, leading to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It's crucial to understand that PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a natural response to the high-stress situations faced. You are NOT alone in this journey. Many of your peers have walked this path and have found ways to manage their symptoms and reclaim their well-being. Seeking help is a courageous step towards healing. It's never too late to find a mental health counselor who can provide the support and tools you need to navigate through PTSD. Professional counselors are trained to help you process your experiences, develop coping strategies, and regain control over your life. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, reach out. Here in New Mexico there are great therapist trained to work with first responders struggling with PTSD; here are just a few: New Growth Counseling, Blue Line Counseling, Guardian Wellness, Gold Soul Counseling, The Lighted Path LLC, Evolution Group, PSPG, Blue Fox Wellness, and Adult Psychotherapy (Gary "Skip" Ritter, PhD.). There are resources and support networks available specifically for firefighters. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. You’ve dedicated your life to saving others; now it’s time to take care of yourself. #Firefighters #PTSD #MentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #Counseling #Support #Healing

👮🏼♂️ First responders are at greater risk of developing #posttraumaticstress, among many other mental health conditions. 👩🏻🚒 Awareness, prevention, training and culturally competent treatment are all essential for taking care of our first responders. 🫂 There’s no shame in reaching out for help - having a mental health diagnosis or seeking treatment does NOT mean you’ll be taken off duty or lose your gun/badge. You’re more likely to leave the career early if you DON’T seek help 🧠 For more information and resources, visit my page Resilience Counseling and Consultation or website: https://lnkd.in/g3e2K4SB #ptsd #firstresponders #mentalhealthmatters

It’s time to move beyond awareness and begin to move toward action. The plan doesn’t need to be perfect but we need to tell the workforce what the plan is. Leaders in Management and Labor need to show the workforce that we see the harmful impacts of excessive mandatory overtime, high call volumes and sleep deprivation on firefighters mental health. There is no substitute for rest, sleep and time away from the Fire Department pursing individual interests and relationships. After listening to many people much smarter than me on the issues of PTSD, sleep deprivation, burnout, and declining recruitment I believe the current 3 shift platoon staffing model is outdated. It is time to move to a 24/72 shift schedule to give firefighters the minimum required time off of work.

This is more common than people think. Hoarding and squalor is very dangerous for the elderly. 1. It increases the falls risk greatly 2. Emergency services can struggle to navigate through the mess in the event of an emergency 3. It is extremely unsanitary which can cause serious health concerns and poor nutrition 4. It is quite possibly a sign of dementia or Alzheimers in our loved ones. Hoarding is often a coping mechanism for someone who has experienced trauma or sadness in their life. Helping those in these situations is extremely important. We can do this by offering them choices, instead of making all the decisions for them. This also helps them maintain a sense of independence and control over their lives. #hoarding #squalor #elderlycare #agedcareaustralia #mentalhealthawareness #supportingseniors #mentalhealthmatters #dementiaawareness #alzheimersawareness #dementia #alzheimers

📢 Essential read for parents this summer! Dr. Rafael Consunji MD MPH from Hamad Trauma Center’s shares vital tips on protecting children from heat-related illnesses. Learn the SMART techniques to keep your kids safe during outdoor play. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/d6E6Q-jy Hamad Medical Corporation, Beth MacGillivray, #mededgemea #heatsafety #SummerSafety #childsafety #healthtips #hamadmedical #heatillnessprevention #ParentingTips #qatarhealth #HMC #staysafe 🔁 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬!

With a family-centered approach, our Family Group Conference (FGC) team can help you and your family make important decisions and find solutions together. 👨👩👧👦 Learn more about how the FGC family-led process can bring positive outcomes for all involved: https://ow.ly/XvT950QtC54 Read some of the feedback from families the team have helped.💙 #CreatePositiveRaltionships #ParentMentalHealthDay #WeCare #WhatWeDoTogetherMatters #FamilyGroupConference

So important -

Building a strong emotional foundation for children starts with simple things, like listening to them. On #GlobalDayOfParents, let's celebrate every parent and caregiver tirelessly nurturing their children's health, happiness, and safety. Discover the invaluable resources provided by UNODC’s family skills programs: https://ow.ly/HetS50S47r5

Let's work together to worry less and care more. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, take time for self-care. Here's a few friendly reminders for this practice. #selfcare #accs #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthday #stayhealthy #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalreminders