Thank you to our Firefighters and all our First Responders for keeping us safe during fire season. We are so thankful for how you continue to protect and serve San Diego County! It’s truly incredible how you inspire others, love your families and friends, stay true to yourselves and keep our communities safe. You continue to do important work you are called to do, looking beyond the risk for the sake of those who need help and protection. May your bravery and honor continue to surround them. As we are in the midst of Summer and fire season – we want to share our gratitude and appreciation for your support, protection and how you generously devote yourselves to helping others.

CAL FIRE has incredible information, toolkits and resources in how to Plan, Know and Act in a fire emergency. Check out their website, resources, toolkits and web-based apps in keeping the community updated and safe during these fire times.

Thank you to all our Firefighters and First Responders for all that you do!

Social wellness, connectedness and reflection are integral pieces within the First Responder community. Connecting with colleagues, family members, friends, loved ones and the community – it is pivotal to promote interconnectedness and strive to grow, connect and promote resiliency. One way to promote strengthened development of social wellness and connectedness is engaging in healthy boundary setting. Boundaries are positive ways to promote wellbeing as they help define what is appropriate in behaviors and relationships. They are the limits and rules that individuals set for themselves within relationships, empowering individuals to respectfully and comfortably say “no” while honoring their wants, needs, values and beliefs. Boundaries can vary between people, cultures, context and personalities – but they define our expectations of ourselves and others within relationships. In this article, learn the 10 ways to build and preserve better boundaries. Learn what boundarie are, different types of boundaries and explore why setting personal limits is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Read the full article here

First Responder Suicide Prevention Training

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. This free, 1-hour training helps prepare First Responders to

Thursday, August 24th, 2023 @1PM (PT) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89607150070  

The Heat and Your Mental Health

Nearly 90 million Americans are under heat advisories and are suffering through triple-digit temperatures. Extreme heat can be very dangerous for your body's physical health, causing dehydration, but it may also impact your mental health. A Boston University study found that Higher temperatures were associated with an increased risk of ER visits for mental health conditions.

Clinical Couch - Alzheimer's Series - Part II

First Responders and First Responder Families, in collaboration with Alzheimer's Associaton of San Diego, we will be discussing Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Learn the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Alzheimer’s stages and risk factors, current research and available treatments, and ways the Alzheimer’s Association can help.

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)

Benefits of Photography for Mental Health

Photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it is a powerful tool that can positively impact our mental and physical well-being. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer, picking up a camera and immersing yourself in the art of photography can bring numerous advantages to your overall health. Here are some of the remarkable benefits that photography offers for both mental and physical well-being.

Enhancing Mindfulness

Engaging in photography allows us to focus our attention on the present moment. When we immerse ourselves in the process of framing a shot, adjusting settings, and capturing the perfect image, we enter a state of mindfulness. This mindfulness helps to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of calm and clarity.

Boosting Creativity

Photography is an artistic outlet that encourages us to think outside the box, explore new perspectives, and express our unique vision. Engaging in creative activities such as composing shots, experimenting with lighting, and post-processing stimulates our imagination and enhances problem-solving skills. This creative boost can have a positive impact on our mental well-being, fostering a sense of fulfillment and self-expression.

Encouraging Self-Expression

Photography provides a platform for self-expression and storytelling. Through the images we capture, we can convey emotions, experiences, and perspectives, allowing us to communicate and connect with others on a deeper level. This outlet for self-expression can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

Promoting Mindful Observation

Photography encourages us to be more attentive to our surroundings. When we venture out with a camera in hand, we become more attuned to the details, textures, colors, and beauty of the world around us. This mindful observation not only enhances our appreciation for the present moment, but also helps to cultivate a sense of gratitude and wonder. The sounds of the waves, birds, or leaves swaying in the wind are always there. It's just we may not have been tuned into them before now.

Stimulating Physical Activity

Photography often takes us to beautiful outdoor locations and encourages exploration. Whether we are hiking through forests, strolling along the beach, or climbing hills to capture the perfect shot, photography can inspire physical activity and increase our overall fitness levels. Engaging in regular physical activity has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Fostering Connection and Community

Photography has the power to bring people together. Joining photography clubs, attending workshops, or participating in online communities allows us to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for capturing moments. These connections foster a sense of belonging, provide opportunities for learning and collaboration, and can alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Photography offers a multitude of benefits for both mental and physical health. So, grab your camera, explore the world through a different lens, and unlock the remarkable advantages that photography has to offer. Embrace the joy, inspiration, and healing that can be found behind the lens. Click here to read the full article

Group Presentation: Reducing Stigma

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.

Flashback San Diego

The cover image of this newsletter is a 1949 photo of old Fire Station No. 5 in Hillcrest, a crew of nine firemen and two fire trucks. The Ninth and University location was the site of one of the first San Diego fire stations. It was designated as a Combination Chemical station, equipped with both chemical fire extinguishers and hoses. This building was replaced with a new No. 5 station in 1951.

1-833-983-4778 SDFirstRespondersProgram.org