Welcome to the world of first responders, where the coffee’s always brewing because sleep is a luxury and your day might include things that most people see only in action movies. I’m Colleen Hilton, founder and CEO of Alli Connect. As a first responder therapist and someone who’s been in the trenches as a law enforcement spouse, I’ve seen things. And I’m not just talking about the laundry left unwashed.
Unique Challenges: Because ‘Normal’ Is Overrated
First responders, you’re a special breed. You run towards the things everyone else runs from. While there’s undeniable heroism in this, it also means you’re signing up for a rollercoaster of stress, trauma, and the kind of stories that don’t always make for great dinner table conversation. Did you know the average American only experiences 3 traumatic events in their entire lifetime? Where the statistics show most first responders experience over 188 within their 20-25 year career. And I’d bet those stats are VERY low!The Stigma: ‘I Don’t Need Help’ and Other Famous Last Words
There’s a stubborn stigma in the first responder universe. It’s that age-old tale of, “I don’t need help; I’m fine.” Spoiler alert: sometimes, you’re not fine. And that’s okay. Admitting you might need a hand is not broadcasting a Bat-Signal of weakness. It’s more like routine maintenance for your well-being. Here’s the thing, we are not wired as humans to take in that much trauma. Literally our brains weren’t meant to hold that much. So we have to unpack our shit early and often! Gone are the days of ‘Suck it up Buttercup’, and that’s a really good thing. But for those of us raised in that culture (shout out to my fellow Gen X’ers), where do you start?Why Therapy? Because Your Brain Deserves a Gym Too
- Relationship Building with Your Therapist: Starting therapy when you’re still in your superhero phase (a.k.a., not in crisis) is like making friends with someone before you need to borrow money. It’s less awkward and a lot more genuine.
- Preemptive Strike on Stress: Your therapist can give you an arsenal of coping strategies. It’s like training for a mental marathon – you’ll be prepared before the starting gun goes off.
- The Art of Self-Awareness: Regular check-ins with a therapist can turn you into a mental health ninja. You’ll spot those sneaky stress symptoms before they ambush you.
- Keeping You Sharp and Shiny: Let’s face it, you’re at your best when your mind is as fit as your uniform is pressed. Therapy keeps you sharp – mentally, emotionally, and maybe even humorously.