07/15/2025
Over the past two weeks— particularly surrounding the Fourth of July holiday—we have seen families gather to celebrate with fireworks, festivals, parades and travel, which brings joy to many. However, behind the scenes, our first responders are facing a significant rise in traumatic incidents: deadly vehicle accidents, gunshot victims, drownings, burn victims, decapitated heads and bodies that explode from fireworks and explosive devices. These are just a few examples of the distressing and graphic scenes they are called to handle.
How does one go home and rest their head on a pillow, and fall asleep after seeing some of these images from a tour of duty? The emotional and psychological toll of such experiences is often invisible to the public. For those on the frontlines, the challenge is not just witnessing these events, but returning home trying to carry on as though everything is normal. The truth is, trauma affects everyone differently. Some experience more, some less. Some manage to cope, while others struggle silently. Regardless how it manifests, TRAUMA IS TRAUMA! Those who do not process these traumas—must understand that it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN it will catch up with them. We must remain vigilant and supportive of each other. This means checking in on one another ensuring we are utilizing the resources for our self care. Being proactive with our mental health and addressing trauma early on are essential to preventing crisis that may lead to suicidal ideation.
No one is immune to su***de. Never assume that it cannot affect your loved one—whether a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or colleague. Lets work together to proactively educate every member of the military and first responder, as well as their families and communities who support them, in the fight against su***de.
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Resilient Heroes provide First Responders with the knowledge and tools for self-care and living healthy lives during and post their careers. By providing officers with the knowledge of stress and adversities to trauma, we can provide them with the tools for self-care and the capacity to advocate men...
