You can’t help if some of that tags along with you as a first responder.”Some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, while others struggle with substance abuse. “Increased withdrawal, substance abuse, suicide.”Not everyone reacts to trauma the same way, according to Dr. Joseph Sivak, director for Behavioral Health at The Villages Health. Substance abuse is a pretty significant problem for first responders, said Dr. Jason Hunt, addiction medicine physician at the center. There remains a stigma against mental health issues and substance abuse disorders, he said, leaving them afraid of losing their jobs along with other concerns. Helping Those Who Help OthersBut, just because co-workers shouldn’t cover for those suffering from PTSD or substance abuse doesn’t mean no one’s watching their backs.

Source: Daily Sun October 10, 2017 19:18 UTC