Your Oxygen Mask First

Trigger warning: discussion on firearms, suicide, and violence.

As the discussion around firearm ownership and accessibility becomes more and more heated in America, the conversation around mental health can be overshadowed.  Politics and passion aside; focusing on having accessible mental health care without judgment for everyone (including those who own firearms) is critical.

We recorded this episode a few months ago, however, I did not publish it when I planned due to multiple suicides by firearm deaths that happened in our community at the time.  I felt the timing was not appropriate at that moment with these incidents still fresh.  The more I held on to release, the more incidents kept happening around the country.  I realized there would never be a "right" time to talk about it.  The right time is now.

In this episode, I talk to Jake Wiskerchen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zephyr Wellness, and Michael Sodini, Founder of the non-profit Walk the Talk America. They have partnered to make mental health resources more accessible to firearm owners, as well as delivering training to mental health professionals to be more culturally competent when treating people in crisis who own firearms (are afraid of the ramifications of disclosing that information).

It was an eye-opening conversation and I learned so much more about the importance of treating the source of the problem and not just the symptom.

To learn more about their programs:

“Did you really want to die?"

What if you could have your own personal health and wellness coach to guide you through a program that teaches you and your co-workers proper nutrition, stress management, sleep hygiene, and a kick-ass workout program?

First In Wellness is a new organization that is doing just that! In this episode, we chat with Danielle Cook Kawash, a registered dietitian and the founder of the program; with her trusty sidekick Simon Matthews, Psychologist, and Director of Coaching.

We will hear all about their new pilot program they are running with a fire department in California and hear some secret tips on how to change your habits to live a happier and healthier life!

firstinwellness.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

Resources:

www.ouraring.com

www.geteversleep.com

The way we communicate about mental health can dramatically shift the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. This is especially true in the world of a first responder and how we talk about depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide can make or break a responder in crisis.  

Talking about bias and discrimination can be difficult, but it is necessary conversation... especially for first responders.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Miller about her upcoming intensive course that is a no-blame, no-shame look at racism, privilege, implicit bias and ethics and is filled with tools, resources, and strategies on how you can heal relationships in your community, and establish trust and legitimacy.

To learn more about Dr. Kimberly Miller or her classes, visit or contact her at: 

We are facing uncertain times with information changing by the minute.  How is a first responder or hospital/EMS worker supposed to cope in the face of the COVID-19 crisis?  In this raw and unedited episode (recorded in a firehouse...don't worry, we didn't touch anything), we sit down with Dr. Steve Nicholas, who is a trauma-informed clinician who works with first responders and Northern Nevada Peer Support Network President Derek Reid to discuss how to navigate this uncharted territory and how to show up for work and at home with a sense of purpose. We discuss anxiety, "spinning", and the danger of isolation and what you can do to find connection in the absence of physical connection.  We all hope this helps!

As first responders and caretakers, we fall under some pretty heavy expectations.  But sometimes we fail to realize that we are human and not immune to making mistakes.

In this episode, we sit down with the lovely Tami Burns.  Tami is an experienced R.N. who found herself addicted to pain pills after being prescribed opioids after getting hurt.  Tami tried to get help but wasn't able to get the support she needed in time before things took a turn for the worst.  But, Tami is resilient and found her way back to nursing after treatment and a little help from her nursing peers.

Tami is a spunky and warm person with a true heart of gold who tells us about her life as a helper and is very open, honest, and authentic with her journey.  She finally realized she is not alone, and neither are you.  Please listen to her story with an open mind and compassion.

Thank you Tami for choosing US to help you tell your story!

First responders and healthcare workers are exposed to trauma at work on a daily basis. Some of the trauma is extreme; other traumatic events sneak up on the responder quietly and when they don't expect it.

Warning: this episode contains discussion surrounding sexual assault and does go into some detail on the specific acts. Also, adult language and humor warning.

Although sexual assault is starting to become a topic that can be discussed, some survivors are still terrified to tell their stories. Meet Athena Ives; she is a Combat Marine Veteran, author, speaker, doctoral candidate, and a survivor. After being sexually abused as a child by a family member, Athena was also sexually assaulted - twice - while in the military. 

While her story may be difficult to hear, it also needs to be heard. And she tells it so beautifully, coming from a place of strength and trying to help others in the process. With her story, she talks about how others can help survivors and how we need to build a culture of listening without judgement.

Athena Ives:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Vet Together: 

Greater Veterans Spokane Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterVeterans/

The Saluting Marine Website: https://thesalutingmarine.com/

Veterans for Natural Rights Website: https://veteransfornaturalrights.org/

The Barracks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okbarracks/

Leave No Paws Behind USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leavenopawsbehindusa/

The Kirstie Ennis Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekirstieennisfoundation/

Our mantra is "you can't help others until you help yourself".  And that is exactly what our guest Michelle Dutro is teaching those with PTSD at her retreat for Veterans and First Responders called Inner North Star.  

Michelle is an Air Force Veteran, firefighter/EMT, and mental health clinician.  In this episode, she explains why the decision to CHOOSE to be in the best mental health state possible is so important; for not only healing, but continuing to grow in your role in providing help to others in your own life.  I highly enjoyed chatting with Michelle and she provides a no-nonsense philosophy to mental health!

Inner North Star:

Website: http://innernorthstarptsdretreatcenter.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innernorthstarptsdretreatcenter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/InnerNorthStar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innernorthstar