Today’s Focus: First Responders & PTSD

You, yes, you- the one who has trained hard and works tirelessly in a job most could never do. There is no question that you serve your community with everything you can. But where do you go after a tough run or shift? What happens then?

Picture of emergency vehicles at the scene of an incident representing the experiences of first responders on scene. Overcome PTSD symptoms related to these situations with help from a PTSD therapist in Ohio.

PTSD Symptoms: How they impact your life.

Having a place to process some of the horrible things you encounter isn’t really a staple in your career field. Instead, you get through it, go back, clean up, go home, repeat. Dealing with these things isn’t easy, and not many people understand it or want to hear about what’s bothering you. Many of these traumas you’re exposed to naturally bother you less

Firefighter fighting a fire representing the stressors first responders face. If you are a first responder and struggle with PTSD symptoms, working with a PTSD therapist in Kentucky can help.

over time. Others seem to get stuck in your mind. These are the things that can mess with your thoughts, your emotions, your relationships, your job, your sleep, and your life.

Oftentimes, my first responders will tell me, as their therapist, they struggle with memories of certain events, nightmares, or being triggered by things that previously didn’t bother them. Or, they tell me they are avoiding things like friends, family, work, or other things they typically would enjoy. A lot of times I hear overwhelming feelings like guilt

for not doing “more” or anger with no place to put it. This can all lead to feeling horrible overall. At Thrive Therapy we understand this cycle and our team of skilled therapists is here to help break it!

Why do I need a PTSD Therapist?

First responders are at a higher risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, than the rest of the population. The numbers are likely grossly underreported, however, the rates of PTSD in first responders seem to be on par with that of combat veterans. This puts you at a higher risk for depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse. What if I told you there were highly effective treatments exactly for this type of thing? And, most of the time, these treatments only last 3-4 months. There is support for you.

Processing your PTSD Symptoms Improves your Resilience

You do so much for others without ever really knowing what to do to take care of yourself or how to protect yourself from that next bad run getting to you. Getting treatment is a way to protect yourself, and those you work with, from the dark places your job can take you. It can also help you to get back to feeling 100% and be even more resilient in the future.

Photo of a city skyline representing the world in which first responders exist. Overcome trauma and the related PTSD symptoms with help from a PTSD therapist in Kentucky and Ohio.

PTSD Symptoms are Highly Treatable

Don’t ignore the signs. PTSD doesn’t get better on its own, but it’s highly treatable. I am happy to say that I offer evidence-based treatments for PTSD, and would love to work with you. I have 11 years of trauma work behind me, and many of those I’ve worked with have been first responders. My goal is to help you keep doing the job that you love—with less of that pressure build-up that happens over time. Please feel free to call or text me at 513-780-5313 or check out my website at www.thrivetherapyinc.com.

Oh yeah, and thanks for being such a badass. You rock.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for free, confidential support.

Begin Treatment for PTSD Symptoms with a PTSD Therapist in Ohio and Kentucky

We get it, PTSD sucks and our team of skilled therapists knows it. But, it is a highly treatable condition. And, I am here to help. If you’re at a point where you are considering therapy for your PTSD symptoms, it’s probably safe to bet you’re struggling to manage day-to-day. I’m also willing to bet that you’d like some relief and to know that someone can help you find it, Thrive Therapy is here.

The PTSD therapists at my therapy practice in Ohio use evidence-based strategies to help reduce and eliminate   PTSD symptoms. Our services are available online to those in Ohio and Kentucky. If you are ready to get support, follow the steps below to get started.

  1. Book a free 15-minute consultation call

  2. Meet with a PTSD therapist to discuss your needs and goals for PTSD treatment

  3. Take back control of your PTSD symptoms and live in the present once again

OTHER SERVICES AT THRIVE THERAPY

Here at our Ohio-based counseling practice, our therapists have an extensive understanding of PTSD and its treatments. We help folks who are survivors of sexual assault and childhood trauma overcome those traumas and PTSD symptoms. It is our greatest honor to help those who have suffered in silence find support, connection, and recovery in PTSD treatment.