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

keywordsmental health, first responders, 911 dispatcher, peer support, PTSD, crisis intervention, public safety, coping mechanisms, resilience, community supportsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Abbie Ellis discuss the often unseen mental health challenges faced by first responders. Abbie shares her personal journey from growing up in Harmony, North Carolina, to becoming a 911 dispatcher. She opens up about her struggles with mental health, including PTSD and anxiety, and the importance of peer support in the first responder community. The conversation emphasizes the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and the significance of creating a supportive environment within public safety agencies.takeaways

• Abbie's upbringing in a small town shaped her work ethic.
• She transitioned from aspiring Navy corpsman to 911 dispatcher due to health issues.
• Recognizing mental health struggles is crucial for first responders.
• The hospital experience can be daunting but is a step towards recovery.
• Finding purpose and stability after a crisis is a journey.
• Coping with heavy calls is a challenge for dispatchers.
• Peer support is vital in addressing mental health in first responders.
• Breaking the stigma around mental health is essential for healing.
• Creating a supportive environment starts with leadership in agencies.
• It's important to acknowledge that you can't control everything.

• Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in First Responders
• From Dispatcher to Advocate: Abbie's Journey

• "I don't want to be here, Mom."
• "It's okay to ask for help."
• "You can't control everything."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Abby Ellis and Her Background02:10Growing Up in Harmony, North Carolina04:12Work Ethic and Early Jobs04:40Inspiration from Family and Firefighting07:03Impact of Moving on Stability09:01Involvement in ROTC and Community Service11:03Transition from Military Aspirations to Dispatching14:05Lessons from Firefighting for Dispatching16:06Struggles with Mental Health20:50Navigating Hospitalization and Recovery24:17Finding Purpose and Stability26:15Impact of Traumatic Calls on Mental Health32:03Coping Mechanisms and Peer Support36:04Peer Support and Seeking Help44:00Recognizing and Managing Burnout48:08Crisis Intervention Team: Importance and Role51:43Balancing Personal and Professional Lives56:27Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health01:01:31Creating Supportive Environments in Agencies01:05:33The Weight We Carry.mp4

Keywords: mental health, first responders, peer support, CISM, stress management, PTSD, compassion fatigue, emergency services, resilience, public safetytakeaways

• Mental health challenges are prevalent among first responders.
• Peer support and CISM are essential for emotional well-being.
• Stigma around mental health is decreasing but still present.
• Recognizing signs of distress is crucial for intervention.
• CISM provides structured support after critical incidents.
• Untreated stress can lead to severe mental health issues.
• Building resilience is key for first responders.
• Creating a supportive environment helps reduce stigma.
• Resources are available for mental health support.
• Getting involved in peer support can make a difference.

• The Weight We Carry: Mental Health in First Responders
• Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness

• "Building resilience is key for first responders."
• "Creating a supportive environment helps reduce stigma."
• "Resources are available for mental health support."

In this episode of The Weight We Carry podcast, host Bart Heaney speaks with Jeremy Meyer, a retired director of 911, about the often unseen mental health challenges faced by first responders. They discuss the importance of peer support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) in addressing these challenges, the stigma surrounding mental health in public safety, and the need for ongoing education and resources. Jeremy shares his personal journey and insights on recognizing signs of distress, building resilience, and creating a supportive environment for first responders. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for mental health awareness and the role of peer support in fostering a healthier work culture.titles

Sound Bites

Chapters00:00Introduction to Public Safety and Peer Support03:27The Importance of Peer Support in 91106:33Understanding CISM and Peer Support09:36Stigma and Mental Health in First Responders12:28Stressors Faced by Dispatchers15:27The Need for Mental Health Support18:25Recognizing Signs of Distress21:31The Process of Seeking Peer Support40:26Empathy in Crisis Management45:36Understanding Critical Incident Stress Management48:38Long-Term Effects of Untreated Stress52:54Teaching Resilience and Coping Strategies56:42Seeking Help and Building Support Networks01:05:47Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health01:13:19Resources and Final Thoughts01:16:03The Weight We Carry.mp4

summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Captain Norm Prycl from McCandless Franklin Park Emergency Medical Services Authority. Norm shares his journey in emergency services, discussing the challenges he faced as a young paramedic, the emotional toll of critical incidents, and the importance of mental health support for first responders. He emphasizes the need for a strong support system, coping mechanisms, and the necessity of mental health training in public safety. Norm's personal experiences highlight the weight that first responders carry and the importance of checking in on colleagues.titles

• The Weight We Carry: A First Responder's Journey
• Navigating Mental Health in Emergency Services

• "I've seen more than you'll ever see."
• "It's a lot easier to manage."
• "Check on everybody."

Sound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Norm Prycel and His Journey03:43Norm's Early Life and Career Path06:41The Challenges of the Paramedic Program09:45Critical Incidents and Their Impact12:40The Emotional Toll of Public Safety Work15:44Recognizing Mental Health Struggles18:46The Importance of Support Systems21:48Coping Mechanisms and Hobbies25:38Passion for Dogs and Outdoor Adventures26:54The Importance of Asking for Help28:20Mental Health Support in Public Safety32:51Resources for Stress Management34:38Advice to Younger Self on Mental Challenges38:18Final Thoughts on Supporting First Responders45:25The Weight We Carry.mp4

summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney interviews Court Gordon, a young firefighter and 911 dispatcher, who shares his unique journey through childhood challenges, including living in a homeless shelter, the loss of a close friend, and his mental health struggles. Court emphasizes the importance of therapy, support systems, and mentorship in navigating the complexities of life as a first responder. His story highlights resilience, personal growth, and the need for open conversations about mental health in the emergency services community. In this conversation, Court Gordon and Bart Heaney discuss the challenges faced by the younger generation in emergency services, the importance of support systems, and the critical role of communication in relationships. They delve into mental health awareness, the impact of bullying and social media, and the necessity of seeking help. Court shares personal experiences and emphasizes the need for open dialogue about mental health, especially among younger individuals entering the field.takeaways

• Court's journey into public safety began at a young age.
• Living in a homeless shelter shaped Court's perspective on life.
• Experiencing loss at a young age can have lasting effects.
• Therapy has been a crucial part of Court's mental health journey.
• Support from family and mentors can be life-saving.
• It's important to talk about mental health openly.
• Court believes everyone should experience hardship for perspective.
• Material possessions are insignificant compared to family and support.
• Young first responders often feel pressure to appear invincible.
• Community and mentorship are vital for new emergency service workers. We are the future generation and must support each other.
• Having a strong support system is crucial during tough times.
• Communication is key in relationships and mental health.
• It's important to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
• You should seek help even if you think you don't need it.
• The impact of bullying and social media on mental health is significant.
• You need to decompress from the pressures of emergency services.
• It's never too late to get help for mental health issues.
• Therapy can be beneficial for understanding and coping with challenges.
• You have to be patient with yourself during difficult times.

• Navigating Life's Challenges: Court Gordon's Story
• From Homelessness to Heroism: A First Responder's Journey

• "We're the future generation."
• "You can't let that get to you."
• "You need to decompress from it."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Cort Gordon and His Journey05:30Childhood Challenges and Resilience13:39Navigating Life in a Homeless Shelter21:30The Impact of Loss and Mental Health33:28Finding Closure and Understanding36:25Reflections on Emergency Services and Personal Growth38:50The Importance of Open Conversations40:42Mentorship and Support in Emergency Services42:51The Role of Therapy in Mental Health47:22Understanding the Weight of the Job50:01The Role of Support Systems57:20Finding Balance in Emergency Services01:03:19Navigating the Transition from Pre-Hospital to Emergency Protocols01:05:13Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Emergency Services01:07:29The Impact of Bullying and Social Media on Youth Mental Health01:11:40The Importance of Seeking Help and Support01:19:05Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing Patience and Self-Compassion01:27:04The Weight We Carry.mp4

Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, hosts Brittany and Bart Heaney engage with Captain Holly Sherman, a paramedic field training officer from New Orleans EMS. The conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the unique pressures of working in a high-stress environment, and the importance of addressing mental health stigma within the community. Holly shares her personal journey into EMS, memorable calls that shaped her career, and the balance between her demanding job and family life. The discussion highlights the need for better mental health resources and the evolution of support systems in the EMS field. In this engaging conversation, Holly Sherman shares her experiences as a paramedic and the impact of her role on the perception of emergency medical services (EMS). She discusses the importance of representation in the field, the challenges of burnout, and the significance of mental health awareness among first responders. Holly emphasizes the need for self-care and the importance of seeking help when needed. She also reflects on her journey in EMS, offering advice to future generations and highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from the job. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of self-awareness and professionalism in the field.