Summary

Marissa Rose, a paramedic with a background in advanced care paramedicine, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and traumas of her profession. She discusses how her childhood experiences and the need for help shaped her desire to become a paramedic. Marissa highlights the demanding nature of the job, the accumulation of trauma over time, and the impact it has on mental health. She talks about the feelings of betrayal, anger, and depression that she experienced, as well as the physical and emotional toll of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, Marissa continues to do the job because of her passion for helping others. Marissa Rose shares her journey of struggling with mental health and finding healing through equine therapy. She opens up about her darkest moments and the decision she made to end her life. However, her encounter with horses, particularly a horse named Caesar, brought her a sense of relief and connection that she had never experienced before. Equine therapy became a transformative experience for her, leading her to advocate for its benefits and pursue research in the field. Marissa emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological changes that occur in the brain during therapy and the need for more comprehensive studies in this area. Marissa Rose shares her journey of resilience and healing after experiencing trauma as a paramedic. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance in life, as well as the need for better support and mental health resources for frontline workers. Marissa discusses the impact of trauma on the brain and the potential for healing through holistic methods such as equine therapy, yoga, and art therapy. She also highlights the significance of debriefing and the reconsolidation of memories in managing PTSD. Marissa's mission is to empower and support her peers in the first responder community.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

07:55Challenges and Trauma in the Job

26:34The Physical and Emotional Toll of the Job

38:02The Transformative Power of Equine Therapy

44:41The Need for Research on Equine Therapy

55:32Overcoming Challenges and Finding Hope

01:02:30The Significance of Saving Lives

01:10:24Understanding the Impact of Trauma

01:18:48Training to Do vs. Being

Marissa's The Inner Response website is available here: https://innerresponse.com.au/

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Summary

Dr. Scott MacDonald, a physician at the Providence Crosstown Clinic in Vancouver, discusses the drug crisis in British Columbia and the need for safe supply harm reduction strategies. He emphasizes the limitations of current treatments and the importance of diversifying options for people with opioid use disorder. Dr. MacDonald advocates for the use of prescription heroin and explores the potential of prescription fentanyl. He highlights the need to move beyond the abstinence-only approach and prioritize patient-centered care. Dr. MacDonald also addresses the role of law enforcement and the importance of resources for individuals seeking help with substance use disorder.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:42 Criticism of Drug Decriminalization

03:07 Insufficient Treatment Options

05:00 Lack of Access to Treatment

06:06 Attracting More Patients to Treatment

07:26 Prescription Heroin as an Option

08:12 Challenges of Prescribing Heroin

09:36 Exploring Prescription Fentanyl

11:07 Success Stories and Case Studies

20:11 Factors Driving Fentanyl Use

23:39 Moving Beyond Abstinence-Only Approach

25:24 Following the Evidence

27:39 The Need for Diversified Treatment Options

29:24 The Role of Law Enforcement

33:07 Addressing Drug Diversion

35:53 Reevaluating Prohibition

41:17 Personal Experience with the Crisis

43:22 Resources for Substance Use Disorder

44:00 Connecting with Dr. Scott MacDonald

45:11 Conclusion

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Summary

In this episode, Christopher Littrell, a former police officer and mental health advocate, shares his journey of resilience and healing. He discusses the impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Litrell also opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and the role it played in his mental health. He emphasizes the significance of mutual support in marriage and the need for first responders to seek help and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, Littrell's story highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Chris Littrell shares his personal journey of dealing with post-traumatic stress and the importance of seeking help. He emphasizes the need for a culturally competent counselor and employer support. Chris also discusses the impact of an intensive treatment program and the value of self-care practices, including talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware. He concludes by providing his top three must-do's for someone struggling and shares how to connect with him.

Takeaways

• Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on first responders, leading to mental health struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Having a strong support system, both within and outside of the law enforcement community, is crucial for coping with the challenges of the job.
• Balancing personal and professional life is essential for maintaining mental well-being. Setting boundaries, seeking help, and prioritizing self-care are important strategies.
• Alcohol abuse can be a coping mechanism for first responders, but it can also exacerbate mental health issues. Seeking treatment and finding healthier ways to cope are essential for recovery. Seeking help is crucial for dealing with post-traumatic stress.
• Culturally competent counselors are essential for effective treatment.
• Employer support is vital in creating a supportive environment for employees.
• Intensive treatment programs can have a significant impact on recovery.
• Self-care practices, such as talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware, are essential for overall well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 Transition to Law Enforcement

06:21 Impact of Traumatic Experiences

09:21 Importance of Mutual Support in Marriage

12:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

13:05 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma

14:45 Cumulative Trauma and PTSD

20:16 Supporting Spouses and Sharing Responsibilities

23:24 Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Struggles

25:13 Reaching Out for Help

26:09 Importance of Mental Health Support for First Responders

26:19 The Importance of Seeking Help

32:01 Employer Support

38:07 Chief Guerrero's Response

40:47 Intensive Treatment Program

45:31 The Value of Intensive Treatment

47:40 Self-Care Practices

53:52 Top Three Must-Do's for Someone Struggling

57:41 Connecting with Chris Littrell

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