80. Mental Health for First Responders with Kevin Lynch

Nov 24, 2021

Depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first responders. In fact, Americans in public service are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The reality facing our country’s first responders is at a critical point. We need to create greater awareness and understanding of the emotional toll our nation’s first responders experience through their day-to-day lives and the long-term impact on their well-being, according to Kevin M. Lynch, CEO, and President of The Quell Foundation. We are fortunate enough to have Kevin on our show today. Learn more here. 

1:52 First responders being exhausted

2:10 Why are you focusing on first responders?

3:16 Stress or fear playing a role for first responders?

4:19 Do first responders have a higher chance of abusing substances or alcohol? 

4:55 Let’s discuss how stress affects our minds and bodies

• Stress management and mental health
  • Long-term effects of stress can include: diabetes, heart disease, decreased libido, stroke, high blood pressure.
  • Long-term effects of stress can include: diabetes, heart disease, decreased libido, stroke, high blood pressure.
  • Most police officers are not required to receive stress management training prior to entering into the workforce
    • “Stressful law enforcement duties are associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death (3)”
• What does stress do to the brain?
  • Effects of stress on the mind can include: migraines, depression, mood changes, withdrawn, impulsive behaviors, ect
  • Trauma
    • “Experiencing trauma can keep your brain in a hyperactive state, suppressing your memory and impulse control. Trapping you in a constant state of strong emotional reactivity (4)”

6:35 According to your research does gender play a role in stress management?

8:01 To the doctors: How is the stress first responders face affecting their physical health? What are you seeing in the field? 

10:33 Is there a generational divide?

11:33 Is this something you can be proactive about? 

13:01 Statistics

• “The #1 Killer of police officers is suicide (1)
• “Depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first responders. (2)”
• “85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health conditions. (2)”
• “Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. (2)”

14:17 Knowing these statistics, why aren't there more resources for first responders?

15:03 Quell Foundation- Can you give us a program overview?

• First responders teaching first responders
  • Importance of learning from trusted peers
  • We are working with 2 retired first responders, and 1 active first responder to help create and administer our program.
  • “Police officers reported that they would be more open to talking about mental health if their peers or organization directors started the conversation (5)”

• Providing tools to combat everyday stresses
• How we can help prepare first responders prior to experiencing a traumatic event
• Critical Incident Stress Management. Have a plan laid out that will be available if/when a traumatic incident occurs
  • Providing daily self-help practices that are easily accessible
    • Mindfulness practices
    • Sleeping guides
    • Most people who experience PTSD have trouble with sleep schedules
    • Counseling resources
    • Yoga for first responders
• General structure of your project
  • Introductory course
    • Kickstarter program to include
      • Mission Statement
      • Screening of documentary followed by discussion
      • General information that will be useful for all first responders
      • Mini crash courses
      • Follow up mini courses to focus on specific topics
        • Module Topic examples:
          • Peer Support
          • Resiliency
          • Stress management
          • Life after work: retirement

•  

References

https://bluehelp.org/resources/statistics/ (1)

https://business.kaiserpermanente.org/insights/mental-health-workplace/first-responder-support (2)

https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/575/2017/07/Sudden-Cardiac-Death-and-Police-Officers.pdf (3)

https://www.wholewellnesstherapy.com/post/trauma-and-the-brain (4)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7559930/ (5)

 

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