Dive into Episode #141 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Robert Avsec, a retired fire battalion chief now a freelance writer, mental health advocate and a member of the Fire Services Psychology Association. Chief Avesc has dedicated himself to helping construct a bridge between the fire rescue service and the psychology community.

Firefighters face significant psychological challenges due to the nature of their work, including PTSD from exposure to traumatic events, depression and anxiety from the high-stress environment, and burnout from physical and emotional demands.

Substance abuse can sometimes arise as a coping mechanism, further affecting mental health. Irregular hours often lead to sleep problems, and witnessing tragic events can result in grief and loss.

Moreover, there is a stigma around seeking mental health support within the firefighting community, which can prevent individuals from getting the help they need. Comprehensive psychological support and awareness are crucial for addressing these challenges.

Dive into Episode #140 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Stephanie Williams, a Chief Diversity Executive at a higher and continuing education institution. Ms. Willams is charged with advising executive leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related strategies to address a more diverse community of staff, faculty, and students.

College campuses have become more diverse over time. Recent data shows a significant increase in the enrollment of students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, the share of white students has decreased from 66.8% in 2011 to 55.5% in 2022. Hispanic student enrollment increased from 11.2% to 18.5% during the same period, and Asian student enrollment grew from 7.3% to 9.7%.

These changes reflect broader demographic shifts in the U.S. population and highlight the importance of diversity initiatives on campuses nationwide. However, it's important to note that simply having a diverse student body isn't enough; fostering meaningful interactions across different social groups is also crucial for reaping the benefits of diversity.

Dive into Episode #139 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest John Dony, the Co-Founder and CEO of the What Works Institute.

The What Works Institute is a think tank focused on research and solutions on environmental, health, and safety (EHS). It aims to provide practical, participatory models and tools to address critical and emerging issues in EHS. Its approach includes research, experiential learning communities, and modernized metrics to help organizations achieve and sustain excellence.

One of John’s goals as the leader of the institutes is to provide safety and health-related data, research, and information to the safety profession and beyond much quicker than traditional approaches. The focus on “What Works” is intended to introduce a solution-based approach to everything the Institute does. Before WWI, John served in a senior leadership role at the National Safety Council for nearly two decades.

Dive into Episode #138 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Rob Loose, who discusses his journey into safety from his early roots in human resources to an “accidental safety “ professional, now involved in the development of a safety-focused AI in use in the contraction industry that puts a safety assistant at the individual’s fingertips.

The state of mental health in the construction industry is concerning, with mental health struggles emerging as the deadliest danger. Studies reveal that over 5,000 male construction workers die from suicide annually, a rate five times higher than work-related injuries.

This alarming statistic highlights a crisis that has only recently gained public attention. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are prevalent among construction workers, exacerbated by high-stress environments, long hours, and job insecurity.

Despite growing awareness, mental health issues remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, with fewer than 5% of construction workers seeking professional help. Efforts to address this crisis include mental health first-aid training and suicide prevention initiatives, but implementing these measures faces significant challenges.

To learn more, go to www.SafetyEHD.com or contact [email protected].

Dive into Episode #137 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Linda McGhee about her journey from a career as a government finance litigator to a second career as a clinical psychologist.

There is a documented shortage of psychologists in the United States. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 60% of psychologists reported having no openings for new patients in a 2022 survey. However, filling the shortage has several issues, including some that are safety-related.

The wide-ranging conversation discussed her career and some of the distinctions that exist in the field of psychology. Dr. McGhee also discusses some of the psychological challenges of the field itself and some of the linens and credentialling issues that contribute to the lack of mental health providers in the United States.

Dive into Episode #136 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jesslyn McCutcheon, a mental health counselor and author about lived experience living with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder can experience intense emotional states, which can include episodes of feeling overly happy and energized and, at other times, feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. These episodes can vary in duration and frequency. However, with proper treatment and management, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Jessyln will not only speak about her experience but share a bit about her new book “Fighting Goliath’” which chronicles her experience dealing with the giant in her life, bipolar disorder.

Dive into Episode #135 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Sahca Thompson. Ms. Thompson was a guest on Episode 32 and now returns to discuss the DEI backlash that has manifested in the past few years.

The backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts can be attributed to several factors:

· Some people misunderstand DEI initiatives, believing they lead to reverse discrimination or exclusion rather than fostering true inclusion.

· Some employees perceive that DEI initiatives benefit certain groups at the expense of others, leading to feelings of being left out or disadvantaged.

· DEI efforts have become politicized, with some viewing them as part of a broader cultural or ideological agenda.

· Early enthusiasm for DEI sometimes led to rushed implementations and vague definitions, which failed to address deeper systemic issues.

· Organizations fear lawsuits and financial repercussions, leading some to scale back or quietly continue DEI efforts without publicizing them.

Dive into Episode #134 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Marcus Rasberry, a Risk Manager at Amerisure Insurance.

Marcus will address a number of aspects of insurance, including the connection between commercial and residential insurance and insurance rates. Though currently focused on risk management, Marcus utilizes his safety background to provide a more holistic approach to risk management in general and insurance coverage specifically.

Dive into Episode #133 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jasim Pierre, the creator and developer of the Safe Place App.

Having experienced mental health challenges for the majority of her life, Jasmin’s experience in the mental health care system has not only been traumatic; she described mental health care as “policed.” She believes this to be particularly true for members of the black community. However, instead of simply adjusting, Jasim decided to create something to help her and others.

Jasim created “The Safe Place” app specifically for the Black Community. African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the rest of the general population. However, many Black people still do not wish to seek professional help for their mental illnesses.

Jasim has become an advocate and speaker on the inadequacies of the mental health care system. Through this app, Jasmin is helping the mental health community understand some of the various issues that Black people can face and better ways to help.

Dive into Episode #132 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Mat Jeanius, a Marriage and Family Therapist who is both black and male. This episode begins our celebration of Black History Month.

Due to their personal and cultural experiences, black therapists bring a unique perspective to their practice. They can offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and systemic issues that clients of similar backgrounds face, such as racial discrimination, cultural identity, and social inequities.

This cultural competence can help build stronger rapport and trust with clients who feel understood and validated in their experiences.

Moreover, Black male therapists often serve as powerful role models, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive mental health within their communities. Their presence in the therapeutic field can help address the underrepresentation of Black professionals and encourage more open conversations about mental health, especially among Black men and boys.

Mat will talk about his experience as a therapist as well as some of what his cultural heritage and service bring to his view regarding mental health.