Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Keeley Williams-Johnson, a paramedic from New Orleans EMS and a former star of the show Nightwatch, shares her journey in public safety, the challenges of mental health, and the evolution of EMS. She discusses her experiences with PTSD, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the importance of self-care and support for first responders. Keeley emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the significance of finding balance between work and personal life.

Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Jacob Courtney, a paramedic from Tennessee, about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Jacob shares his personal journey, including his childhood influences, early career experiences, and the impact of critical incidents on his mental health. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the role of social media in advocacy, and the need for support within the public safety community. Jacob emphasizes the significance of learning from mistakes and encourages future generations to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.

Summary

In this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart and Brittany Heaney engage with members of the Pittsburgh Firefighters Peer Support Team, discussing the critical role of peer support in addressing mental health challenges faced by first responders. The conversation covers the differences between traditional mental health models and peer support, the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive environment, and the ongoing efforts to expand outreach and resources for first responders. The team emphasizes the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages open conversations about emotional well-being.

summaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, hosts Brittany and Bart Heaney interview Dean Gladstone, a lifeguard and star of Bondi Rescue. Dean shares his journey through mental health challenges, including the impact of a brutal attack that left him with PTSD. He discusses the importance of support systems, the role of breathwork and cold therapy in recovery, and the significance of mental health awareness in the first responder community. The conversation highlights the need for open discussions about mental health, coping strategies, and the power of sharing personal stories to break down stigma.

Summary

In this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Brittany Heaney welcome Drew Antol, an EMT, to discuss his journey in emergency medical services and the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Drew shares his experiences from childhood, the impact of witnessing his father's health struggles, and the trauma he encountered during significant incidents in his career. The conversation delves into the importance of mental health resources, recognizing signs of PTSD, and the value of support systems in coping with the weight of the job. Drew's story highlights the need for open discussions about mental health in public safety and the importance of community support.

summaryIn this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, host Bart Heaney and his wife Brittany interview Kaitlyn Bair, a first responder who shares her journey through the challenges of mental health and addiction. Kaitlyn discusses her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in emergency services, her early inspirations, and the pressures she faced. She candidly opens up about her struggles with alcohol, the barriers to seeking help, and her experiences in rehabilitation. Throughout the conversation, Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of support systems, coping mechanisms, and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that it's okay to seek help and that recovery is possible.takeaways

• Kaitlyn grew up in a family with deep roots in emergency services.
• She felt inspired to follow in her family's footsteps but also faced pressure.
• Kaitlyn's journey into emergency services began in her teenage years.
• Public safety careers come with significant mental health burdens.
• Recognizing the impact of her job on her mental health was a turning point for Kaitlyn.
• Barriers to seeking help included embarrassment and fear of stigma.
• Kaitlyn's first experience in rehab was focused on controlling her drinking.
• The second time in rehab, she realized she needed to fully commit to sobriety.
• Support systems played a crucial role in her recovery journey.
• Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms.

• Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in First Responders
• Kaitlyn Bair: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

• "Boredom was my worst enemy."
• "It's okay to talk about it."
• "You can keep your job."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Kaitlyn Bair's Journey03:23Growing Up in Emergency Services06:04The Path to Public Safety08:46Experiences in Dispatching11:26The Impact of Critical Incidents14:23Recognizing Mental Health Challenges16:53The Journey to Recovery20:29Recognizing the Need for Change21:32The Role of Harbor of Grace in Recovery25:21Transformations Post-Recovery26:28Understanding Mental Health and Addiction28:10Resources for Support29:13Maintaining Sobriety and Coping Mechanisms30:34Encouragement for First Responders32:29Finding Resources and Community Support34:08Expressing Emotions Through Poetry37:08The Weight We Carry.mp4

mental health, first responders, dispatchers, trauma, PTSD, support, resources, Deborah Green, public safety, law enforcementsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry podcast, Bart Heaney speaks with Deborah Green, a retired 911 dispatcher with nearly 30 years of experience. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by first responders, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on dispatchers. Deborah shares her personal journey, including her experiences in the military, law enforcement, and the intense calls she handled as a dispatcher. They emphasize the need for better mental health support within the first responder community and advocate for a cultural shift away from the stigma surrounding mental health issues.takeaways

• Mental health is a significant issue for first responders.
• Deborah Green's journey highlights the importance of seeking help.
• Transitioning from military to law enforcement can be challenging.
• Intense experiences as a dispatcher can lead to trauma.
• Survivor's guilt is a common feeling among dispatchers after traumatic events.
• Recognizing mental health issues is crucial for recovery.
• Support systems and resources are essential for mental health.
• Coping strategies can help in the recovery process.
• Advocating for change in mental health support is necessary.
• Creating a supportive environment for first responders is vital.

• Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in First Responders
• Deborah Green: A Dispatcher’s Journey Through Trauma

• "It's okay to not be okay."
• "We want to lift people up."
• "Reach out, reach out often."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Deborah Green02:39Deborah's Journey into Public Safety06:02Military Experience and Transition to Dispatch08:31Intense Calls and Critical Incidents11:13The Impact of Trauma on Dispatchers15:27Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health17:51Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Issues21:42Seeking Help and Finding Resources26:36The Officer-Involved Shooting Incident31:37Navigating Mental Health After Trauma37:13Deciding to Leave the Job37:54Navigating Trauma and Recovery39:31The Role of Family in Healing41:55Ongoing Support and Coping Strategies44:16Exploring Alternative Therapies48:50The Importance of Early Mental Health Awareness52:34Breaking the Stigma of Seeking Help56:14Supporting Each Other in the First Responder Community01:00:08Final Reflections and Resources01:03:32The Weight We Carry.mp4

keywordsmental health, first responders, 911 dispatcher, peer support, PTSD, crisis intervention, public safety, coping mechanisms, resilience, community supportsummaryIn this episode of the Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart Heaney and Abbie Ellis discuss the often unseen mental health challenges faced by first responders. Abbie shares her personal journey from growing up in Harmony, North Carolina, to becoming a 911 dispatcher. She opens up about her struggles with mental health, including PTSD and anxiety, and the importance of peer support in the first responder community. The conversation emphasizes the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and the significance of creating a supportive environment within public safety agencies.takeaways

• Abbie's upbringing in a small town shaped her work ethic.
• She transitioned from aspiring Navy corpsman to 911 dispatcher due to health issues.
• Recognizing mental health struggles is crucial for first responders.
• The hospital experience can be daunting but is a step towards recovery.
• Finding purpose and stability after a crisis is a journey.
• Coping with heavy calls is a challenge for dispatchers.
• Peer support is vital in addressing mental health in first responders.
• Breaking the stigma around mental health is essential for healing.
• Creating a supportive environment starts with leadership in agencies.
• It's important to acknowledge that you can't control everything.

• Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in First Responders
• From Dispatcher to Advocate: Abbie's Journey

• "I don't want to be here, Mom."
• "It's okay to ask for help."
• "You can't control everything."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Abby Ellis and Her Background02:10Growing Up in Harmony, North Carolina04:12Work Ethic and Early Jobs04:40Inspiration from Family and Firefighting07:03Impact of Moving on Stability09:01Involvement in ROTC and Community Service11:03Transition from Military Aspirations to Dispatching14:05Lessons from Firefighting for Dispatching16:06Struggles with Mental Health20:50Navigating Hospitalization and Recovery24:17Finding Purpose and Stability26:15Impact of Traumatic Calls on Mental Health32:03Coping Mechanisms and Peer Support36:04Peer Support and Seeking Help44:00Recognizing and Managing Burnout48:08Crisis Intervention Team: Importance and Role51:43Balancing Personal and Professional Lives56:27Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health01:01:31Creating Supportive Environments in Agencies01:05:33The Weight We Carry.mp4