Episode 920: Take Care of Yourself with Rob Sweaza & Matty Fiorenza

On today's episode, Dennis talks with retired Captain, Licensed Clinician and Co-founder of Blue Wives Matter, Rob Sweaza & Firefighter Paramedic, keynote speaker, fire academy mental health facilitator, first responder outreach specialist, Matty Fiorenza.

Matty Fiorenza is a retired Anaheim (CA) Firefighter / Paramedic who now works with Recovery First First Responders Treatment Centers, helping first responders struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Matty is also featured in the documentary film PTSD911 which explores the struggle of first responders battling the demons of PTSD.

After experiencing traumatic line of duty deaths during his Police career, Rob and his wife Kristen knew that something had to be done to help the spouses and families left behind. They started a non-profit organization Blue Wives Matter that helps officers with PTSD, anxiety and depression, and addiction. They also provide support to families immediately after the deaths of their loved ones both emotional and otherwise. Rob talks about the different types of addictions he sees in the field, working with police officers with PTSD and the importance of agencies setting up mental health programs within their department.

Today Dennis, Rob and Matty dive deep into the traumas of the job, mental health and ptsd, finding and getting the right treatment, life after deciding to leave the profession, losing your identity and the science behind trauma.

Contact Rob Sweaza:

[email protected] | 714-768-1219 | [email protected]

Head to the Blue Wives Matter site for more information: bluewivesmatter.net

Contact Matty Fiorenza:

⁠ 714-917-9395 | @fireman_matty

Check out the PTSD 911 Movie here: https://ptsd911movie.com/about-the-film/

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