Summary

In this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Brittany Heaney welcome Drew Antol, an EMT, to discuss his journey in emergency medical services and the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Drew shares his experiences from childhood, the impact of witnessing his father's health struggles, and the trauma he encountered during significant incidents in his career. The conversation delves into the importance of mental health resources, recognizing signs of PTSD, and the value of support systems in coping with the weight of the job. Drew's story highlights the need for open discussions about mental health in public safety and the importance of community support.

summaryIn this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, host Bart Heaney and his wife Brittany interview Kaitlyn Bair, a first responder who shares her journey through the challenges of mental health and addiction. Kaitlyn discusses her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in emergency services, her early inspirations, and the pressures she faced. She candidly opens up about her struggles with alcohol, the barriers to seeking help, and her experiences in rehabilitation. Throughout the conversation, Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of support systems, coping mechanisms, and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that it's okay to seek help and that recovery is possible.takeaways

• Kaitlyn grew up in a family with deep roots in emergency services.
• She felt inspired to follow in her family's footsteps but also faced pressure.
• Kaitlyn's journey into emergency services began in her teenage years.
• Public safety careers come with significant mental health burdens.
• Recognizing the impact of her job on her mental health was a turning point for Kaitlyn.
• Barriers to seeking help included embarrassment and fear of stigma.
• Kaitlyn's first experience in rehab was focused on controlling her drinking.
• The second time in rehab, she realized she needed to fully commit to sobriety.
• Support systems played a crucial role in her recovery journey.
• Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms.

• Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in First Responders
• Kaitlyn Bair: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

• "Boredom was my worst enemy."
• "It's okay to talk about it."
• "You can keep your job."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Kaitlyn Bair's Journey03:23Growing Up in Emergency Services06:04The Path to Public Safety08:46Experiences in Dispatching11:26The Impact of Critical Incidents14:23Recognizing Mental Health Challenges16:53The Journey to Recovery20:29Recognizing the Need for Change21:32The Role of Harbor of Grace in Recovery25:21Transformations Post-Recovery26:28Understanding Mental Health and Addiction28:10Resources for Support29:13Maintaining Sobriety and Coping Mechanisms30:34Encouragement for First Responders32:29Finding Resources and Community Support34:08Expressing Emotions Through Poetry37:08The Weight We Carry.mp4

mental health, first responders, dispatchers, trauma, PTSD, support, resources, Deborah Green, public safety, law enforcementsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Deborah Green, a retired 911 dispatcher with nearly 30 years of experience. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on dispatchers. Deborah shares her personal journey, including her experiences in the military, law enforcement, and the intense calls she handled as a dispatcher. They emphasize the need for better mental health support within the first responder community and advocate for a cultural shift away from the stigma surrounding mental health issues.takeaways

• Mental health is a significant issue for first responders.
• Deborah Green's journey highlights the importance of seeking help.
• Transitioning from military to law enforcement can be challenging.
• Intense experiences as a dispatcher can lead to trauma.
• Survivor's guilt is a common feeling among dispatchers after traumatic events.
• Recognizing mental health issues is crucial for recovery.
• Support systems and resources are essential for mental health.
• Coping strategies can help in the recovery process.
• Advocating for change in mental health support is necessary.
• Creating a supportive environment for first responders is vital.

• Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in First Responders
• Deborah Green: A Dispatcher’s Journey Through Trauma

• "It's okay to not be okay."
• "We want to lift people up."
• "Reach out, reach out often."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Deborah Green02:39Deborah's Journey into Public Safety06:02Military Experience and Transition to Dispatch08:31Intense Calls and Critical Incidents11:13The Impact of Trauma on Dispatchers15:27Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health17:51Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Issues21:42Seeking Help and Finding Resources26:36The Officer-Involved Shooting Incident31:37Navigating Mental Health After Trauma37:13Deciding to Leave the Job37:54Navigating Trauma and Recovery39:31The Role of Family in Healing41:55Ongoing Support and Coping Strategies44:16Exploring Alternative Therapies48:50The Importance of Early Mental Health Awareness52:34Breaking the Stigma of Seeking Help56:14Supporting Each Other in the First Responder Community01:00:08Final Reflections and Resources01:03:32The Weight We Carry.mp4