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In a world where first responders are often celebrated for their bravery and sacrifice, there is a group of heroes who often go unnoticed and unappreciated – dispatchers. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, handling emergency calls and coordinating the response of police, fire, and medical personnel. They are the calm voices on the other end of the line, providing critical support during times of crisis. However, their role and the trauma they experience are often minimized or overlooked. 

Picture the scene: a call comes in, the person on the other end is choking back tears, there is gunfire ringing in the distance, a symphony of terror. There is a dispatcher on the line at this time, a lifeline weaved with compassion and bravery in the midst of chaos and confusion.

While dispatchers may not witness the physical trauma firsthand, they are exposed to the emotional toll of every call. They carry the burden of knowing the worst moments of people's lives, yet their own trauma often goes unnoticed. May this moment serve as a turning point when they are acknowledged and supported, converting them from underappreciated first responders into the revered and boosted heroes they truly deserve to be. It is our responsibility to recognize their importance, validate their trauma, and provide the support they need. Let us stand together and ensure that dispatchers are no longer the forgotten first responders, but rather the acknowledged and supported heroes they truly are.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

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So, let's dive in, again, to this whole PTSD thing, specifically Criterion E. It may feel like you're on the rollercoaster in your mind, and suddenly, boom! You're hit with a wild loop-de-loop of symptoms. Your  mind is like a super-sensitive car alarm, triggered by the smallest things. That's hyperarousal and reactivity for you. It's like they're on a hair-trigger, ready to fight or flee at a moment's notice. You might  jump at sudden noises or get irritable out of the blue. It's like the internal volume dial is stuck on loud.

Now, let's talk sleep. You know how important sleep is, right? Well, sometimes you're dealing with the exact opposite. Sleep patterns that are all over the place – you might struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or even have nightmares that could make a horror movie director jealous. It's like their brain is refusing to give you a break.

On top of that, let's throw in dissociation an inability to concentrate for good measure. It's like zoning out, but not in a zen yoga way – more like being MIA from reality for a while. 

These examples and several others are covered on this episode to help you get a better idea of what post traumatic symptoms may look like in your life. So, dear first responders, when you're dealing with  these Criterion E symptoms, just remember, it's like your mind's throwing a wild party you didn't RSVP for. Be patient, be compassionate with yourself and know you are not alone. 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Imagine you're in a high-pressure situation, making split-second decisions. Wouldn't it be nice to hone a tool that encourages you to recognize any negative thoughts that might be clouding your judgment? These could be thoughts like "I can't handle this" or "Everything is going to go wrong." The first step is to identify them.

Then comes the powerful part – challenging those thoughts. It's like assessing the evidence at a crime scene. You look for alternative explanations and realistic viewpoints. This helps you see the situation more clearly, even amidst the mayhem.

When we think about making changes, most of us don't really consider "all sides" in a complete way. Instead we often do what we think we should do to avoid doing things we don't feel like doing, or just feel confused or overwhelmed and give up thinking about it at all. Working through the pros and cons of both changing and not making a change is one way to help  make sure we have fully considered a possible change. This can help to  "hang on" to our plan in times of stress, temptation or burnout.

Your ATTD hosts dig into a topic and provide a tool that holds immense value not only for our daily lives but also for our mental well-being – the balanced decision-making process, backed by the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT.

You can visit our private practice's resources page for the accompanying "Balanced Decision Making Worksheet" along with many other valuable printable PDF's.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Guest Molly Jones joins your ATTD hosts to share her insights, expertise and experience as the clinical outreach coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems and the Center of Excellence. Molly is the IAFF 9th District Peer Support Team Clinical Coordinator as well as assists first responders and their family members with accessing and navigating vetted first responder treatment providers across the United States and Canada. 

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Tommy Bolin, a 28 year veteran in the fire service in Columbus, Ohio.  Tommy currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. Tommy joins ATTD to talk about his experience in turning his "mess into a message."

Tommy's journey is like so many others, but he has come through the other side and believes in the importance of sharing his  story with the hope of letting others know they are not alone.  That there are so many people out there suffering alone.  Tommy remains steadfast and passionate about the need for cultural change when dealing with mental health for first responders.  He truly feels this is his new purpose.

Tommy, alongside his good friend and therapy dog, work together to help spread a message of resilience and hope to other fire departments, schools and memory care facilities.  

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

On this episode of ATTD your host, Erin, delivers various tools and emphasizes the importance of practicing being present. 

We all know that first responders have incredibly demanding jobs. You face high-stress situations day in and day out, and it's crucial for you to find moments of peace amidst the chaos. That's where a mindfulness routine comes in. It's like a mental oasis in the midst of a storm.

One of the key benefits of a mindfulness routine is stress reduction. It's no secret that stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. But by incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life, you can create a space of calm amidst the storm. You can tap into techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindful movement to relax your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and recharge their batteries.

For guided recordings of each of the techniques delivered in this episode, visit  https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/ and join our mailing list. 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Negative alterations in your mind and mood are par for the course when you're a human begin. A lot of us know that these experiences will pass as quickly as they came. Unless these alterations are a direct result of experiencing a stressful life experience. 

After experiencing a traumatic event, these alterations may exist like a storm that brews inside your head, messing with your emotions and how you see the world. In this episode the ATTD hosts discuss Criterion D of the PTSD criteria which is all about the negative alterations in your thoughts and mood that come after a traumatic event.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Kerrie understands the culture of first responders from her upbringing as a daughter of a firefighter, and growing up with first responders. Kerrie’s brother was also a firefighter for 11 years before his death in 2012. Kerrie’s personal and professional experience allows her to offer understanding and compassion in her therapist role.

Kerrie Murphy, LMSW has been a social worker for over 20 years and has a wide variety of experience in working with emergency services and the first responder population. Kerrie worked for years in medical social work, providing support to those in an emergency room setting. Through her work as a therapist, she has served first responders and provided EMDR therapy as a means of healing from trauma. Kerrie is also trained as a Critical Incident Stress Management mental health clinician and currently serves on the Mid-West Michigan CISM team.

If you are a first responder in Michigan and are currently seeking a culturally competent clinician, you can contact Kerrie by visiting https://www.frswm.com/

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

Guest, Sean Woods has dabbled in various opportunities in the law enforcement world.  He joins our show to share in the steps and successes of creating a wellness program within his department. This program has helped many of his fellow officers and he bestows its successes to the many hands involved and the nature of the program remaining a trusting and confidential atmosphere. 

Raised in Long Island, his current position as FOP Chaplain requires he continue to arm himself with that blunt New York attitude. His vision to supply mental health and wellness resources provided him the opportunity to primarily help spearhead wellness for his department as a whole. 

After high school, Sean graduated from Cincinnati Christian University with an education degree. In addition to attending school he joined the Marine Corps reserve while in college. While still in reserves he then joined the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in 1995 until 2000. His next endeavor then led him to his career with the Cincinnati Police Department where he has played roles for the last 23 years. 

Since Sean joined the Cincinnati Police Department he has served in the capacity as a patrol officer, field training officer, bike patrol, plain clothes narcotics and Vice unit. Beginning in 2015 he then got involved as a K9 handler while also being an operator for their SWAT team since . His many chapters with the department have evolved into his latest endeavor with the Fraternal Order of Police in the capacity of delegate and Lodge chaplain. Sean will be married for 30 years this month and contributes much of his success in his career to the support, love and patience of his wife and two adult children.  

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE

Send us a text

You start out as an eager rookie, ready to save lives and make a difference. You got the shiny badge, the uniform that fits just right, and you feel like a damn hero. People look up to you, trust you with their lives, and it's a rush. But somewhere along the line, it starts to change.

See, when you're a first responder, the job becomes your life. It's not just a 9 to 5 gig where you punch in and punch out. It's 24/7, no days off, and the weight of the world on your shoulders. You're constantly on call, ready to jump into action at a moment's notice. And slowly but surely, that's all you become.

You start to forget who you were before all this. Your hobbies, your passions, your dreams—they take a backseat to the relentless demands of the job. Your personal life can suffer, relationships may crumble, and perhaps you're left with this gnawing sense of emptiness. Maybe feeling as if you've become a stranger in your own skin.

On this episode, your ATTD hosts share their insights, personal experiences and tools catered to our hotline callers feelings of disillusionment and lost identity as a first responder. 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE