After The Tones Drop

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An all too common thing for a First Responder to experience are nightmares, intrusive memories and at times, flashbacks. These intrusive symptoms can be highly distressing, as they intrude upon the individual's daily life, disrupt their thoughts, and evoke intense feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. The person may find it challenging to concentrate, experience irritability, or engage in avoidance behaviors to prevent triggering these distressing memories or reminders. In this episode ATTD hosts help breakdown what's happening and why.

Criterion B of the PTSD Criteria is often referred to as "intrusion symptoms," encompassing in a range of distressing and disruptive experiences that can arise following a traumatic event.

Individuals who meet Criterion B experience intrusive thoughts, memories, or flashbacks related to the traumatic incident. These distressing recollections can occur both during waking hours and in the form of nightmares during sleep. The person may feel as though they are reliving the traumatic event, leading to intense emotions, physical reactions, and an overwhelming sense of fear or helplessness.

Criterion B also includes the experience of distressing physiological or psychological reactions when exposed to reminders of the traumatic event. Triggers can be external stimuli, such as certain sounds, smells, or sights associated with the trauma, or internal cues, like thoughts or emotions that remind the person of the event. These triggers often evoke strong emotional and physical responses, such as anxiety, panic attacks, a racing heart, or a sense of impending doom.

Criterion B is a crucial component of diagnosing PTSD as it underscores the profound impact that trauma can have on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Understanding and recognizing these intrusive symptoms can help individuals seek appropriate support and treatment to address the lingering effects of trauma and regain a sense of control over their lives.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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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Cinnamon and Erin are coming off the heels of attending 1st Responder Conferences in South Bend, Indiana. Fired up and motivated, your hosts share why conferences are so important and what's available by attending.

Attending mental health conferences is crucial in today's world, where mental health issues, especially for first responders are becoming increasingly prevalent. These conferences provide a platform for mental health professionals, peer support, fellow first responders and advocates to come together and share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the field of mental health. By attending these conferences, individuals can learn about the latest research and treatments for mental health conditions, network with peers, and gain new insights into how to improve their own mental health practices. Even more important, mental health conferences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by raising awareness and educating the public on the importance of mental health and wellness. Overall, attending mental health conferences is essential for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field and improve their ability to provide effective mental health care.

To invite and host 1st Responder conferences in your city, click here to be connected to their contact form. 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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 Fan Mail

Sometimes, asking for help can be one of the hardest things a person will do. It requires a certain level of vulnerability, surrender and trust. However, that’s just what Marine Corps veteran and retired law enforcement officer, Brian Gillespie did. Brian, born and raised in Jersey City, came to terms with his own struggles with substance abuse more than eight years ago and hasn't looked back.

Brian has  been involved in the first responder world since 1982, when he joined the US Marine Corps from 1982-1986. Until today, he has been active in that first responder community. He left the Marines in 86 and began his career a few years later in law enforcement. Even though he's retired, he is still active in drums and pipes groups, and very active with a Police Benevolent Association. That's just Social Civic. Then you throw in the professional aspect. Now he has become a treatment advocate for first responders seeking recovery for Addiction and Mental health issues. He currently is a treatment advocate (RESCU: Recovering Emergency Service Community United), at a treatment facility as that treatment advocate is called Recovery Centers of America and Raritan Bay, New Jersey, and he helps first responders and their families find recovery daily.

Learn more about our guest by visiting some of the links below:
https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/blogs/helps-vets-overcome-drug-alcohol-abuse/
https://www.vets4warriors.com/about/our-leadership/brian_gillespie/
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/11/former-marine-and-jersey-city-native-helps-other-vets-overcome-drug-and-alcohol-abuse.html
https://dnjmcl.org/department-staff/

ATTD Music Credits:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling 
License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero 
License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows
License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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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Suicide is a deeply distressing and complex issue that demands our utmost attention and empathy. Understanding and recognizing the red flags associated with suicide can be crucial in identifying those who may be at risk and offering them the support they desperately need. Isolation and withdrawal from loved ones, sudden changes in behavior or mood, persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, expressions of wanting to die or a preoccupation with death, giving away prized possessions, and engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviors are just a few of the red flags that should never be ignored. By being vigilant and compassionate, we can create a world where the warning signs of suicide are treated with the seriousness they deserve.

On this episode, our first ever hotline caller shares an emotional message about the sudden loss of a friend and co-worker. Following her loss, he wonders "did I miss something" and "how can I just slow down?"

The aftermath of a friend's suicide can leave us grappling with an overwhelming sense of guilt and confusion, as if we missed something crucial along the way. We question ourselves, wondering if there were signs we failed to recognize or conversations we should have had. It's important to remember that suicide is a deeply complex and individual struggle, often shrouded in secrecy and pain.  While it's natural to feel a profound sense of loss and a desire to understand, it is essential to seek support, engage in open dialogue, and find solace in the fact that we cannot always control or prevent the choices others make. It is through empathy, self-forgiveness, and the shared process of healing that we can begin to reconcile the feelings of missing something and find a path toward healing and acceptance.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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 Fan Mail

Join us as we shed light on this crucial aspect of PTSD. The direct exposure a traumatic event may have on a person and why it happens. The ATTD hosts will meticulously unpack the details of what Criterion A entails, its importance in diagnosing PTSD, and how it relates to traumatic experiences. 

Unfortunately, first responders are often impacted by the effects of the job that ultimately can cause PTSD. Little known fact, there are over 600,000 different ways that someone can be diagnosed with PTSD. In today's episode, we explore the first criterion of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, known as Criterion A. 

Criterion A of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the initial and crucial component in diagnosing the disorder. It establishes the presence of a traumatic event that has caused significant distress to the individual. Criterion A recognizes the traumatic nature of the event, acknowledging the profound impact it can have on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. It serves as the foundation for further assessment and examination of PTSD symptoms to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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 Fan Mail

Mental health challenges affect millions of first responders around the world. Unfortunately, misconceptions about therapy often discourage people from seeking help. They also contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and prevent people from learning more about or utilizing the services of trained mental health professionals.

After the Tones Drop hosts spend some time filtering through and debunking some of the most common myths of therapy, such as:

• Only “crazy” or “mental” people need to talk to therapists. I haven’t lost my mind. I’m not having a nervous breakdown, so I don’t need a therapist
• Talking to a therapist is for people who are weak, or who don’t have enough will power. We should solve our own problems
• Once I start therapy, I will have to go forever. Counseling takes forever.
• All you do in therapy is talk about your past relationship with your parents / therapists blame a client’s problem on their upbringing
• A counselor doesn’t know me and he or she can’t help me
• People will know that I am seeing a counselor
• Therapy doesn’t work
• I’m beyond help

Click the links below to find more information about the myths of therapy.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202005/10-common-myths-about-therapy

https://forgehealth.com/how-to-combat-4-myths-surrounding-treatment-for-first-responders/

https://ct.counseling.org/2018/01/why-do-cops-avoid-counseling-eight-myths-about-law-enforcement-officers-and-mental-health-treatment/

https://comprehensiveclinic.byu.edu/debunking-12-myths-about-therapy

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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 Fan Mail

It's hard to pretend you're ok, when your world is "burning down" around you.

 After a tragic line of duty death in his department, our first guest quite literally pulled himself up by his bootstraps. His journey and what he has done with the lessons from his personal experiences has created a domino effect. Listen and hear how he facilitated changes around mental health in his own department and many more in the surrounding Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana Tristate area. 

City of Hamilton’s (OH) career firefighter, Lt Jason Callihan,  is with us for our inaugural episode! He is considered one of our "trail blazers" when it comes to challenging the stigma in the first responder world. Jason led the march in showing what's possible when you get real and get vulnerable, and why it’s worth the risk. He lives with a philosophy of there being "strength in numbers" and choosing to be a "safe place" for his brothers and sisters in the first responder communities. Choosing not to judge or ridicule, he opts to lean into the hard stuff to help save lives.  

In 2017, after seeing first hand the effects of the job, Jason took a deep interest in furthering his own and others’  awareness and education. He trained to be a mental health peer supporter, then became a district leader for his union’s peer team, serving is own department, and the Tristate Area Peer Support Team. 

 While his roles have evolved since 2017, Jason remains a constant presence in the peer community, always being just one phone call away from a scheduled cup of coffee and the support you may need. He is steadfast in his efforts on duty and off duty while in his community living the motto of "If no one else wants to go, send me!"

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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 Fan Mail

SUBSCRIBE NOW to be sure to get in on the action on our LAUNCH DAY, MAY 3RD!

Hey there listeners, We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you After the Tones Drop podcast.  Our show gives a safe platform to explore, demystify, and destigmatize mental health wellness for first responders.

We are two unconventional, quick witted, and culturally competent first responder clinicians offering a new take and understanding of what mental health wellness looks like in the first responder world.

We will be offering you  content in various areas, including first responder guest interviews, first responder based current events, and a series created solely around helping you understand just what in the heck is actually happening in your brain and body. All of these topics are intended to provide you with some valuable tools and a better understanding of the true impact the job has on you but more importantly, allow you to see that you are not alone and that it’s ok to talk about what mental health and wellness looks like for you and your brothers and sisters. 

We are also excited to share about our confidential hotline created just for you.

If you could ask any question, or freely talk about any challenge related to being on the job, and no one would know it was you…what would you say?

Through this confidential hotline voicemail you can leave a message sharing a success, a struggle, or simply to ask a question. We will spotlight calls and offer feedback and insights from a licensed therapist and a certified coach who work exclusively with first responders. To leave a voicemail, simply click the "ATTD Hotline Voicemail Tab" on our website. https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/

If you are as excited as we are, be sure to Subscribe to the show then follow us on facebook and instagram.

You know the drill…telephone, tell a friend, tell a first responder.

ATTD Music Credits:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop is shared for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. The views expressed are those of the individual speaking. If you need support, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services in a crisis. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information. 

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat): 

•  Our theme music is Intentions by Abby Noise, licensed through Upbeat
•  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