It’s known that first responders put themselves in dangerous situations and are exposed to more traumatic situations than typical civilians. However, something not always mentioned is the internal challenges these individuals have after their shift is done. This blog post will focus on first responder stress and dissociation stemming from work stress and trauma.
The role of police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians is never clear-cut. Depending on the situation, stressors and traumatic experiences may quickly develop, although unexpected. Thus, first responders may find themselves in a constant state of hypervigilance or ‘always being on’ to prepare for the unpredictable. However, the body may become stuck in this ‘always on’ nervous system state.
Dissociation and How it Works
Everyone dissociates; it’s a part of life. It is actually a very common response for those who experience intense trauma or prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences. Check out this article by the National Library of Medicine on dissociation for more information on dissociation. So how does dissociation work?
Dissociation is more of a question of how much and to what intensity do I dissociate than compared to whether or not you dissociate. People can dissociate over small things, such as boring work meetings or when engaged in a boring conversation. However, these forms of dissociation are not that problematic. Challenging levels of dissociation occur when the body’s nervous system perceives a significant threat that it cannot actively run from or fight off. They then mentally check out and lose contact with the present-moment.
After someone experiences trauma, if this trauma response is not healed, an individual’s dissociation threshold may become lower. Thus, smaller environmental stressors may trigger dissociative episodes. This pattern will continue throughout life if it is not healed. It is paramount to treat and heal from past trauma so dissociative symptoms can decrease.
Importance of Healing
For first responders with or without levels of dissociation, healing is crucial. Dissociation does not always follow trauma., but it can. Other trauma symptoms can disrupt a first responder’s life. After trauma or routine exposure to various stressors, being stuck on ‘on’ all the time has consequences for the body. The body was not designed to constantly operate in this ‘on’ state. Working with an individual trauma therapist can help to decrease the peaks and valleys of mood swings, help to manage and integrate anger spikes, and break through the numbness that you feel in day-to-day life. Lastly, when we experience these problematic symptoms, we may develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as isolation, drinking alcohol, substance use, or avoidance patterns. All these above factors can negatively disrupt your quality of life.
Healing Stress, Trauma, and Dissociation
At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, I have had the opportunity to support individuals in the first responder community on their healing journey. I offer both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as well as Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy to help you heal, regain peace, and live the life you desire. Both of these forms of psychotherapy help to bring awareness to the mind-body connection, assist with nervous system regulation, and, most importantly, resolve the memories that continue to replay in your head.
Find a Trauma Therapist Near Greendale, WI
I offer both in-person therapy sessions and online trauma therapy sessions to help you heal. I have found that in-person therapy sessions work best for those who live near Kenosha, WI, whereas online sessions work best for people who live throughout Wisconsin and Colorado. Additionally, I am only a private pay therapist, which helps to keep our work completely confidential. I accept FSA, HSA, and debit/credit as forms of payment. If you want to start becoming a better you, call me at 720.295.6703 or submit an online form on the contact page here. I look forward to supporting you.
