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