E.175 Addressing Stress and Burnout: Mental Health Support for First Responders, Law Enforcement, Police

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Join me in a transformative conversation with Kyle Goodknight, a veteran healthcare professional with over three decades of experience as a respiratory therapist and paramedic. We tackle the critical issues of stress and burnout that first responders face, shedding light on the vital role mental health support plays in sustaining their demanding careers. Kyle opens up about his personal experiences, underscoring the significance of mental health awareness and the need for equipping first responders with the right tools and resources for a fulfilling career.

We confront the often-unspoken emotional toll that repeated exposure to trauma takes on first responders and medical professionals. It's not just the major incidents that leave a mark, but the accumulation of experiences that can push individuals to a breaking point. Through personal stories, we reveal how professional stressors seep into personal lives, affecting family dynamics and highlighting the need for open communication. Our discussion extends to understanding how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape responses to trauma, particularly in close-knit communities where first responders might know victims personally.

Our conversation evolves into normalizing mental health conversations, encouraging first responders to embrace mental health care as essential. I share my personal journey, emphasizing the importance of being open about mental health struggles and the various treatment options available, like EMDR or ketamine therapy. We stress the importance of cultural competency in therapy and the benefits of virtual counseling, offering privacy and accessibility. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for first responders to seek the right therapeutic path, ensuring their well-being and that of their families.

Go and listen to Kyle's podcast at: https://podcast.kylegoodknight.com/

His full podcast can be found at www.kylegoodknight.com

For the ACES test, click here. 

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