🔔 Subscribe now and join our mission to support mental health for first responders! 🔔In this impactful episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, host Bart Heaney sits down with Kelly Mendendorp, a dedicated social worker and volunteer firefighter, to discuss the vital topic of *mental health* in *first responders**. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from **firefighting* to *social work**, shedding light on the challenges of **burnout**, **trauma**, and **addiction recovery* faced by emergency responders.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of *early intervention* and *community resources* tailored for *emergency responders*
• How to *break the stigma* surrounding *mental health* and encourage open discussions
• Strategies to address *vicarious trauma* and promote *support* within the community
• Details about Kelly’s innovative *Emergency Responders Program* designed to provide *preventative mental health care*

💡 Whether you're a first responder, loved one, or advocate, this conversation emphasizes that *mental health support* is essential for all involved in **emergency response**. Together, we can reduce stigma, promote **addiction recovery**, and foster a healthier, more resilient community.🔑 Keywords: *mental health, first responders, burnout, social work, emergency responders, trauma, support, stigma, addiction recovery, community resources*👉 If you found this episode valuable, please like, comment, and share to help spread awareness. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on mental health topics affecting our brave responders. Your support can make a difference!#MentalHealth #FirstResponders #Burnout #Trauma #Support #Stigma #AddictionRecovery #CommunityResources #EmergencyResponders #WeightWeCarryPodcast