Caring for Our Community
As First Responders, your work can mean close encounters with danger, chaos, and tragedy…on a daily basis! In your “normal” line of duty, you are called upon to respond to “abnormal” situations. Exposure to stress like this can take a toll on you and your relationships. In some cases, you may experience post-traumatic stress symptoms such as:
- Emotional numbness
- Heightened worry, guilt, anger or hopelessness
- Avoidance of people, places or things that are reminders of the trauma
- A loss of interest in things that once gave pleasure
- Feeling anxious, on edge or jumpy, and startling easily
- Sleep issues
- Problems with drinking, drugs or food
- Flashbacks, nightmares, and/or recurring thoughts
It is not unusual to feel “stuck” or unable to move forward when confronted with a stressful event. Temporary discomfort is normal. However, when troubling reactions continue to interfere with your daily life, counseling can be helpful.
