Real Stories: Healing PTSD with EMDR

On this episode of Responder Resilience we hear from a veteran, firefighters, paramedics, police officers and dispatcher who have used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to overcome traumatic stress. This is an up close and personal look at how EMDR changed the lives of several responders, who courageously stepped up to share their stories so that others might see positive solutions to the growing mental health crisis within emergency services. Watch the SHOW TRAILER: https://youtu.be/LbbDb08ZBZc

First responders are repeatedly exposed to the most traumatic moments of other people's lives. This cumulative stress and trauma, along with lack of sleep and unhealthy lifestyle can lead to PTSD. It's estimated that up to 24% of dispatchers, and 35% of police officers suffer from PTSD.* Estimates suggest that as many as 400 firefighter and EMT deaths by suicide occur each year.** The risk of addiction and suicide increases when PTSD, depression, or other mental health issues are left untreated. The responder community is starting to recognize the severity of this mental health crisis, and is taking action to get help. The stigmas and culture around speaking openly and honestly about PTSD and mental health challenges are changing dynamically, as barriers are coming down.

*National Alliance on Mental Illness.   **Vigil, Neil H et al. “Death by Suicide-The EMS Profession Compared to the General Public.”

Watch it live Wednesday, March 2nd at 7pm ET (and for replays):

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All past episodes: https://www.respondertv.com/

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