136. First Responders Guide To Mental Wellness: How Heroes Find Healing with Robert Brewster and Dale Crogan
Warriors Unmasked
English - February 20, 2024 08:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB - ★★★★★ - 99 ratingsMental Health Health & Fitness Sports mentalhealth military perseverance ptsd resiliency sports Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Supporting those that support us: How to help first responders with mental health, welless, and overcoming any dark day the job brings. This week's episode of Warriors Unmasked is nothing short of powerful! Hot play to dive into the world of two remarkable heroes, Robert Brewster and Dale Crogan, whose stories intertwine through their dedication to mental health advocacy within the first responder community.
With Brewster's 28 years of experience and Crogan's 21 years of service, both have been at the forefront of developing peer support and resiliency programs, marking a significant shift in how mental health is approached in high-stress professions.
Their journey is not just about their roles as Assistant Chief and Peer Support Captain, respectively, but about the profound impact of their work on the lives of countless first responders. They dive deep into the essence of their mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, shedding light on the often overlooked emotional and psychological battles that first responders face.
Their dedication to the cause is not just about changing policies or implementing programs; it's about changing lives. Through their leadership and advocacy, they've spearheaded initiatives that offer a lifeline to those in the trenches, fostering an environment where vulnerability is seen as strength and seeking help is encouraged.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that Robert and Dale's work is a beacon of hope for many, signaling a shift towards a more compassionate and supportive culture within the first responder community. Their efforts remind us that behind the badge, there's a human being, deserving of the same care and support they so selflessly extend to others.
If you're moved by Robert and Dale's unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and want to learn more about their journey and the impact of their work, I encourage you to listen to this episode. Their experiences and insights are not just a call to action but a reminder of the power of empathy, resilience, and community in the face of adversity.
GUEST LINKS:
Board of Directors — EMS Help: https://www.emshelp.org/board-of-directors
Stop Our Stigma: https://www.stopourstigma.org/
Instagram (@stopourstigma): https://www.instagram.com/stopourstigma?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
LINKS:
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + Messages From Our Sponsors
02:46 Welcome to Robert Brewster and Dale Crogan
03:17 The Stigma of Mental Health in First Responders
04:18 Life as a First Responder
07:21 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders
10:18 The Importance of Mental Health Support
12:04 The Role of Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy
14:27 The Impact of Mental Health on Family Members
17:13 The Importance of Community Support
20:13 The Role of Resiliency Training
23:35 The Importance of Mental Health Resources
27:29 The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders
31:23 Understanding Family Expectations of First Responders
32:23 The Importance of Vulnerability in First Responders
34:34 Success Stories of Vulnerability and Support
37:09 The Impact of Trauma on the Body
39:25 The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders
40:27 The Role of Sleep in Trauma Recovery
42:26 The Importance of Communication and Balance
46:15 Tips for First Responders to Transition from Work to Home
49:57 The Role of emshelp.org in Supporting First Responders
51:35 Final Thoughts on Mental Health in First Responders