The Value of Peer Support |
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As we continue to face a mental health crisis, there is a severe shortage of licensed professionals to help, especially if you are not wealthy. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. counties do not have a single psychiatrist and it takes a decade to make a psychiatrist—the ultimate supply chain shortage. There is one thing we can definitely do: broaden the idea of who has something to offer. For example, peer support may be a vital bridge for those seeking help. Peers are often overlooked, despite the expertise they've acquired from |
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their own mental health journeys. Peers aren't the replacement for professionals, but they offer something that doctors rarely can... The true experience of walking the path that you have. Peers may be a helpful resource to consider when you are waiting for weeks or months at a time for a licensed professional. Peer work can be informal—a coming together of like minds and experiences to help one another or can also be formal via professional peer specialists also called peer navigators. Whether informal or |
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formal, the key to peer support is using lived experience as a guide to help others and give hope to those who are struggling. While you are waiting for professional help, and even if you have it, consider assessing whether one of the many peer resources can be part of your recovery toolbox. If you're a First Responder in San Diego County, Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell's First Responders Behavioral Health Support Program is a free confidential 24/7 peer-supported referral helpline staffed by active and retired First Responders here to listen, support, and assist First Responders. Call us or contact us 24/7 for resources for you! www.sdfirstrespondersprogram.org |
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Highlighting A Community Partner |
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211 is a local nonprofit organization in San Diego County. They are a broad trusted source for information and connections to community, health, and disaster resources. Their staff is available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with assistance in more than 200 languages. Together, using their outstanding resources, Fire Captain Ryan J. |
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Mitchell's First Responders Behavioral Health Support Program has partnered up with 211 to bring updated real-time resources that connect San Diegan First Responders to the valuable mental health resources they need. Want to know more about 211? Here's a short informative video. |
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First Responder Tribute Days |
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Knott's Berry Farm Tribute Days are here. Active, full-time fire and law enforcement personnel, including EMTs, may purchase discounted admission of $19.99 (plus taxes and fees) for themselves and up to 5 additional guests during Knott's Fire and Law Tribute Days. Discount tickets can be purchased at Knotts.com or present your eligible fire or law enforcement photo I.D. card at the Knott's Berry Farm ticket booths for this offer. FIRE AND LAW TRIBUTE DAYS Nov. 27 – Dec. 14, 2023 (Mon-Thurs)
Jan. 8 – 25, 2024 (Mon-Thurs) https://www.knotts.com/events/fire-and-law-enforcement-tribute-days |
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First Responders, Survive the Holidays |
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First Responders and First Responder Families, please join us for a video presentation about "How to Survive the Holidays." We discuss tips, tools, techniques, information and resources to promote wellness and navigate the holiday season. |
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First Responder Suicide Prevention Training |
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San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council, in collaboration with Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell's First Responders Behavioral Health Support Program, is hosting a First Responder Suicide Prevention Training. This free, 1-hour training helps prepare First |
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Responders to prevent suicide by raising awareness about factors of suicide, learning conversation tools for suicide prevention, discussing resources, understanding factors of suicide, and identifying how to appropriately respond. Who should attend? Those who represent the First Responder population including Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, EMS, Dispatch, Lifeguard, CERT, or other emergency response communities. Please join us for this opportunity on: November 7th & 12th, 2023 @1PM (PT) |
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Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season |
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With the holiday season in full swing, it is essential to make time for self-care. What is supposed to be the merriest time of the year can often become the most stressful! Here are some tips and tools to Beat those Holiday Blues. SAMHSA has shared “While the holidays can be a time of celebration and joy for many, it also can be a period of stress, sadness, and loneliness for others—and sometimes can be particularly difficult for people living with mental health and substance use conditions. As we approach the holiday season, it is important to remember that it is very common to feel added stress — however, there are ways to help address the stress or condition and improve your mental health.” Know you are not alone and there is support and resources there to support you! Bundle up tight, enjoy the crisp winter air and celebrate the holidays with loved ones everywhere! Here are 8 Strategies to Promote your Mental Health |
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To learn more about promoting mental health, click here. |
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"Let the Rhythm Take You" |
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Veterans find their groove at Resounding Joy Sounds of Service program addresses the special needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Regardless if you’re in the mood to shred guitar, hit some drums, sing your heart out, or simply take some deep breaths, we are here for you. Music therapy takes your interests, your wants, your needs, and your love of music to strategically design a therapeutic plan that works for you. We focus on the process to help you reach your goals. Sounds of Service welcomes all military-connected individuals and families regardless of disability rating, discharge status, reserve status, or any other red tape/paperwork. Come make music with us! |
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Group Presentation: Reducing Stigma |
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Resiliency is a top priority in the First Responder community. First Responders are at a greater risk for experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety due to repeated exposure to trauma. Many First Responders are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health. Our staff provides county-funded in-person & Zoom presentations to educate First Responders about stigma, resiliency & wellness, |
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recognize its impact, and provide tools to reduce stigma and promote wellness within the First Responder community. Our team is working to promote prevention and support First Responders – creating custom presentations to meet department needs. Contact us today to request an in-person or Zoom presentation. For more information, please visit us at: www.sdfirstrespondersprogram.org 1-833-YU-FIRST (1-833-983-4778) |
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This program is funded by the County of San Diego/HHSA |
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