Post Traumatic Stress
PTSD / PTSI

First Responders

and Post Traumatic Stress 

Irritability. Bad dreams. Depression. No emotions at all. On edge. Outbursts. Trouble sleeping. Flashbacks. Anxiety. Self-destructive behavior. If you notice any of the above symptoms sounding all too familiar, either for your spouse or yourself, you may be facing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Have you ever gone to a loud, energetic public place or a social engagement and you or your spouse suddenly gets tense, drinks in excess to relieve anxiety, or just wants to leave as soon as you arrive?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can present itself in many different ways depending on the person. The person affected by PTSD may not be able to or be ready to recognize the symptoms within themselves. As a spouse, some things you may notice in your loved on are:

  • Irritability prior to a social event
  • Restlessness in crowds or loud places
  • An inability to focus
  • Constantly scanning areas
  • A sudden, drastic change in mood that may seem like it came out of nowhere
  • Obsession over details of packing, planning, preparing for a trip, etc.
  • Intentionally secluding themselves
  • Drinking more than usual
  • Withdrawing from usual activities
  • Sleeping all the time
  • Short fused
  • Unwanted persistent memories
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Sense of claustrophobia in public places
  • Loss of appetite

Reaching Out for Help

There will be times in life when we can’t do it alone. This may be one of those times. Now is not the time to shy away from asking for help. Here are some good resources that may be able to assist you in working through the trials PTSD brings.

Crisis Support Now

Maybe life has gotten really out of control and you or your first responder need help now. Or maybe... you just don't know and need to talk to someone who gets it.

Every request is confidential.

Proactive and Reactive Department Support

Resources, Training, Retreats, Behavioral Health Services, First Responder Specific Counseling.

We can help you build a resilient organization and first responder family.

Maintain a Happy & Balanced Lifestyle

First Responder Wellness

First Responder Wellness is here for you. Backed by a professional staff comprised of former first responders and culturally competent behavioral health clinicians, we are intimately familiar with the unique challenges you face.

The First Responder Wellness Programs are tailored to the unique needs of first responders (and their families) but are highly individualized so you can find an approach that resonates with you.

Everyone Goes Home

by the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation

Do you want to learn more about how to give support to fellow firefighters?  In March 2004, a Firefighter Life Safety Summit was held to address the need for change within the fire service. At this summit, the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives were created and a program was born to ensure that Everyone Goes Home.

Our goal is to help the U.S. Fire Administration achieve its objective of reducing the number of preventable firefighter fatalities.

Learn more at EveryoneGoesHome.com

For Volunteer Firefighters

Free confidential volunteer firefighter and ems helpline available.

What You Can Do as a Spouse

PTSD can take a toll on even the healthiest of marriages. 

Every day can be a challenge to get through for both spouses. As a spouse of someone affected by PTSD there are ways you can help your first responder feel more comfortable.

Let them go. If they are feeling uncomfortable at an event, as them if they would like to leave. If they choose to leave, let them go. Don’t force them to stay. This usually exacerbates the tension they are already feeling.

Right place, right time. Don’t bring up big stuff or address issues with your spouse in public, during times of great stress for them, or in unfamiliar surroundings.

Give them time. Give your spouse the space and time needed to heal privately, but be close by for when they are ready to talk or need support. Allow them to feel their emotions when they are ready. There is no set process or timeline a person with PTSD follows.

Educate. If you do want to talk to them in a safe, familiar place, be sure to research and read as much as you are able prior to the discussion. Be prepared. There are many things you might say that seem normal to us and would not affect someone with PTSD, but it may set off a trigger in those who are struggling with it.

Get professional help. We aren’t all capable of being everything to everyone. This is nothing personal. PTSD may be better addressed with your spouse by a professional.

Your Fire Life is different.
So your communication needs to be too

This Fire Family Training teaches strategies for navigating the stress and trauma a first responder life brings to your relationship and family.