Brave Enough to Respond, Strong Enough to Heal |
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Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. However, first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, are at a higher risk of developing PTSI due to their exposure to traumatic events on a regular basis. The stress and trauma of these events can lead to PTSI, which can have significant impacts on their mental health, personal life, and work performance. Symptoms of PTSI in first responders can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, and hypervigilance. If left untreated, PTSI can interfere with their ability to function at work and home, leading to problems with relationships, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. It is crucial for first responders to receive proper training, support, and resources to help prevent PTSI and to seek treatment if they do develop symptoms. Many organizations and programs exist to support first responders with mental health issues, including peer support groups, counseling, and specialized treatment programs. What should I do if I think I have Posttraumatic Stress or symptoms of it? A great place to start is by taking an assessment. You can take a PTSI self-assessment by clicking here: After getting your results, you can call the Fire Capt. Ryan J Mitchell’s First Responders Program at 1-833-983- 4778 and we can help you with next steps. Whether it just be talking to someone about the results, or helping you get connected to a behavioral health expert. We are here for you! Additionally, many organizations and hotlines offer support for first responders, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). |
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NAMI Walk San Diego is an annual fundraising event organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in San Diego, California. NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States, dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. |
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The SD First Responders Program was honored to be part of this year’s NAMI Walk! It was such a tremendous event to kick start May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We were excited to meet and talk with First Responders, First Responder Families and community members throughout the event, connecting with others and sharing all about the program! We are so incredibly thankful to continue to increase awareness about local mental health resources, decrease the stigma and barriers associated with seeking behavioral health support services and promote resiliency and growth within our First Responder community. This was such an inspiring event to be part of and we had so much fun ringing in May is Mental Health Awareness Month! |
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The NAMI Walk San Diego event brings together thousands of participants, including individuals, families, mental health professionals, and community members, to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The event typically involves a 5K walk, along with various activities, speakers, and resources related to mental health. By participating in NAMI Walk San Diego, individuals and teams raise funds that directly support NAMI's programs and services, such as education classes, support groups, helplines, and advocacy efforts. The event not only serves as a platform to promote mental health awareness but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among participants, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their mental health journey. For more information on NAMI Walks, Click Here |
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The Burn Institute’s 31st Annual Fire & Safety Expo and Firefighter Demolition Derby will take place Sunday, June 11, 2023 during the San Diego County Fair. This highly anticipated annual event includes firefighting and safety demonstrations, a fire-and-burn-prevention pavilion, and of course, the Firefighter Demolition Derby. Tickets may be purchased at the SD Fair’s website for June 11 to attend this event. Schedule of Free Events 11:00am-12:30pm CPR training, safety education, activities for the kids, derby car viewing 1:00pm - Burn Run Fire Truck Parade & Opening Ceremonies 2:00pm - Firefighter Demolition Derby— Preliminary Heats 4:45pm - Last Chance Qualifier Demo Derby Heats 5:00pm - Introducing the Derby Finalists 5:30pm - Final Heat of the Demolition Derby |
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The Demo Derby is by far the Burn Institute’s most popular event among the fire service! Fire departments from across San Diego County modify clunkers to smash head to head with fellow departments. The event consists of three initial heats, two last-chance qualifying heats and then a final round where the last car standing is crowned the champ! In addition to building their cars, each team raises money for the Burn Institute through car sponsorship, raising upwards of $80,000 each year. Del Mar Arena 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014 |
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House plants are the easiest way to bring some of the benefits of nature into your home, whether you pop one on your desk to spruce up your workspace or use foliage to add a homely touch to a bedroom. They can improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, boost mood, increase productivity, and create a sense of calm and relaxation. However, it's not just about making your surroundings look beautiful: the right indoor house plants can have a whole host of physical and mental health benefits. Dr. Daniel Glazer, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of UK Therapy Rooms, explains: "Studies have shown that those who spend time in nature are more likely to report better mental and physical health, and this even extends to houseplants, which have been proven to reduce stress." Here are some house plants known for their beneficial properties: |
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Peace Lily to purify If you only pick one house plant to keep your home clean and fresh, we'd recommend the peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) – NASA approved for its air-purifying qualities. Its light, mild scent is more noticeable after dark, but won't overpower – perfect for a crisp bedroom sanctuary. |
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Lavender to sleep Lavender is well known for its soothing fragrance, which has been proven to relieve stress. It's also easy to grow indoors? Position a pot of lavender in a sunny spot, like a windowsill, for beautiful color and scent from spring to summer – and use its flowers to brew a relaxing herbal tea to unwind before bed. |
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Jasmine to uplift Along with its elegant twining stems and star-shaped pale flowers, studies also show jasmine may be blessed with mood-boosting properties. It's happiest in partial sunlight, making jasmine the ideal house plant for a sweetly-scented reading nook or sitting room. |
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Chamomile to calm Although primarily known as an outdoor plant, chamomile is very happy to be grown in containers and kept inside too – particularly Roman chamomile (Matricaria recuti). It has a sweet, relaxing fragrance, and its flowers are also a favourite ingredient for soothing herbal teas. |
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Remember that each person's preferences and living conditions may vary, so it's important to choose plants that suit your lifestyle and space. Additionally, be mindful of any potential allergies or toxic effects certain plants may have, especially if you have pets or children in the house. Click here to read the article. |
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First Responders and First Responders Families, in this video we discuss and explore Effective Communication, Communication Styles, Active Listening and Respect. Join us as we talk about promoting effective communication within your systems of support!
We also provide free in-person and Zoom presentations to educate first responders about stigma, recognize its negative impact, and provide tools on how to reduce stigma within one's department. Our team will also create custom presentations to meet the needs of your department. For more information about this presentation, please visit us at: www.sdfirstrespondersprogram.org 1-833-YU-FIRST (1-833-983-4778)
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The First Annual Motors For Minds Firefighter Charity Car Show was a great success and our program was very honored to be part of this event! It was incredible to be part of and we are so thankful to have had the opportunity to connect with First Responders, First Responder Families and community members. |
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It was such a beautiful event filled with amazing resources, extraordinary cars and incredible community partners. This was a wonderful way to celebrate May, promoting and celebrating mental health awareness month! We are so honored to continue to promote behavioral health, wellness and resiliency within the First Responder community and are so excited for all that is to come! A huge thank you to Motors for Minds for having us be part of such a special event, we had the most wonderful time! |
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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 Program is hosting a First Responder Suicide Prevention Training. |
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This free, 1-hour training helps prepare First 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. |
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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. |
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This program is funded by the County of San Diego/HHSA |
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