Tag: First Responder

Women, PTSD and Substance Abuse

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin

Women, more than men, are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Why?

Women are more susceptible to being victims of sexual assault. As opposed to men, females are more likely to condemn themselves for traumatic events.

Not all women develop PTSD after a horrifying event. Those who do usually have mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or have previously undergone a distressing event, or the incident was life threatening and/or caused injury.

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How to Spot a High-Functioning #1stresponder Alcoholic

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 19.5% of alcoholics in the United States belong to a subtype known as “functional.” These individuals tend to be middle-aged and well-educated with stable jobs and families. About one-third have a multigenerational family history of alcoholism and about one-quarter have a depressive illness sometime in their lives. But what else do we know about these individuals? How do you spot a high-functioning first responder alcoholic?

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First Responder Burnout & Disaster Work

Posted on by armorupnow

By Dr. Tania Glenn

During large scale events and disasters, first responders (police, fire, EMS, communications and hospital personnel) who are a little, somewhat, or very burned out often experience significantly more complicated burnout at the end of a disaster. Burnout is the result of coupling extremely high, sometimes unrealistic expectations with good intentions, and not having enough balance in one’s life.
The onset of burnout happens slowly. The process is hard to identify because it can be quite subtle. It happens like this: You enter a career to help others. You work hard and love your job. You put in a lot of hours, work overtime or second jobs, and surround yourself and your life with things and people that are associated with public safety. You work holidays and weekends because emergency services never rest. For a while, this feels great.
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