Focus renewed on first responders’ mental health and wellness
By Dr. Anna Fitch Courie and Katie McEvoy
Dr. Anna Fitch Courie is the director of responder wellness for the FirstNet network at AT&T. Katie McEvoy is the regional director for AT&T External Affairs in Delaware.
Not many people can understand or empathize with the things first responders encounter during an emergency or even on a daily basis. Public safety service comes with great personal sacrifice, and many first responders silently carry the burden. Trauma can be difficult to discuss with others.
Delawareans don’t call 911 because they’re having a good day. Those experiences and images stay rooted in the mind and take a toll. Compared to the general population, first responders experience higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues. And, in law enforcement, one study found a more than 20-year difference in life expectancy compared to the average American male.
Read the full article on Bay to Bay News.
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O2X Human Performance provides comprehensive, science-backed programs to hundreds of public safety departments, federal agencies, and the military. O2X works with clients to elevate culture, improve mental and physical wellbeing, support healthy lifestyles, and reduce healthcare costs associated with injuries and illnesses. Driven by results and cutting edge research, O2X programs are designed and delivered by a team of Special Operations veterans, high level athletes, and hundreds of leading experts in their respective fields of human performance.
