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Captain Robert Stephens takes us on a personal journey through his three-decade career spanning EMS, law enforcement, military service, and firefighting – revealing the mental health challenges and triumphs experienced along the way.

Stephens shares how first responders process trauma across different contexts. He explains that responding to emergencies in your hometown creates unique psychological impacts compared to overseas deployments, as traumatic memories become anchored to places you regularly visit. "Whatever you have on your boots, you don't want to drag it in your house," Stevens explains, highlighting the delicate balance between professional duties and home life.

The conversation takes a turn when Stephens reveals his own breaking point, which surprisingly came not from a work incident but from a personal event that triggered years of accumulated stress. "Don't wait until you have something like that happen," he advises with rawness in his voice. "It's okay to be not okay." His vulnerability encourages listeners to seek help proactively rather than waiting for crisis.

Fellow firefighters Tyler and Liz add their perspectives on everything from processing difficult calls to navigating promotional challenges. They explore how peer support provides crucial understanding that's difficult to replicate elsewhere, while also acknowledging that organizational stressors can impact mental health as significantly as traumatic incidents.

The discussion highlights multiple avenues for support – from trusted colleagues and family members to professional clinicians who offer confidential spaces for processing both traumatic incidents and work frustrations. As Stephens poignantly observes, "When you get tired, your family gets tired too," reminding listeners that mental health impacts everyone in a first responder's circle.

Whether you're a veteran first responder or just beginning your career, this episode offers invaluable insig

Thank you for joining us for another episode of our Firefighter Support podcast, where our mission is to empower firefighters to strengthen their resiliency through mental wellness, physical health, and human connection. This podcast is available across any platform where you can find podcasts, including YouTube.

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