Members of law enforcement face traumatic incidents quite often as they carry out their duties.   But how can we support those members as they return to work? In this episode of Blue Line, The Podcast, editor Brittani Schroeder is joined by Chief Mental Health Officer Derek Sienko and RCMP S/Sgt.   Ray Savage will talk about the National Reintegration Program, how first responders return to work after traumatic incidents, and the gap that exists between clinicians and employers.   The post Blue Line Podcast: Officer reintegration after trauma. The podcast with our Chief Menta ..read more

Critical Stress and wellbeing in first responders has been broadly researched and scrutinised over the past few years. It is widely accepted that first responders are subjected to immense stress not only daily, but throughout the length of their service. In a recent article in the Washington Post (Klemko, 2022) being a Police Officer is described as the most dangerous job outside of military service. (Klemko, 2022)   Today, there is a growing concern regarding not just recruitment of first responders across all disciplines, but also retention. With approximately 18,000 law enforcement age ..read more

Moral injury, a concept often overlooked in the discourse on mental health, holds a profound impact on first responders and veterans. In the realm of law enforcement, its complexities are viewed through diverse lenses—officers, leaders, and clinicians each bringing unique perspectives to the table. Blue Line, The Podcast, in collaboration with Diversified Rehab, dives deep into the heart of this matter in an episode that promises to unravel the intricacies of moral injury and explore the necessary changes within policing organizations.   Watch the interview:    Moral injury is ..read more

As a firefighter, you are admired by your community for fearlessly putting your life on the line to protect others. You battle through intense flames, rescue those trapped in dangerous situations, and confront unimaginable trauma daily.  But you’re also human, and those harrowing experiences can take a toll on your mental health.  Unfortunately, many firefighters have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe condition that can have devastating effects if left untreated. You can look to Diversified Rehabilitation Group as a resource when starting your PTSD recovery journey. We ..read more

As a paramedic, you know that staying calm under pressure while providing essential medical help is crucial. But what happens when your experiences become too much to handle?  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common issue for paramedics, often coming from daily exposure to traumatic events.  This blog post explores what causes PTSD in paramedics, its symptoms, and coping strategies designed for them.  What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in response to exposure to traumatic events and high-stress situations i ..read more

Every year, on October 10th, the global community unites to commemorate World Mental Health Day. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the crucial significance of mental health in our daily lives.  While the day has come and gone, it’s imperative to remember the importance of mental health throughout the other 364 days of the year. At Diversified Rehabilitation Group, we offer a reputable mental health program that helps people and organizations manage stress, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We also use our platform all year to raise awareness about mental health and ..read more

In 2019, the United States witnessed 47,500 suicide fatalities and an estimated 1.4 million suicide attempts. The causes of suicide are complex, involving various emotional, socio-demographic, medical, and economic factors. Among these factors, occupation is a potential risk factor, with certain professions, including first responders, showing a higher susceptibility to suicide. Startlingly, law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than while in the line of duty. Furthermore, EMS providers face a 1.39 times greater risk of dying by suicide compared to the gen ..read more

The consistent exposure to traumatic events and dangerous circumstances, coupled with the strain of extended work hours that often keep them apart from their families, can accumulate and exact a significant toll on the mental health of first responders. Consider, for instance: Police officers and firefighters are statistically more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. An astonishing 85% of first responders have battled with symptoms linked to mental health disorders. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are up to five times more common among first responders than ..read more

In the United States, domestic violence and stalking are common issues that affect a significant number of individuals. Statistics reveal that an average of 24 people per minute fall victim to physical violence, rape or stalking at the hands of their intimate partner, resulting in more than 12 million cases each year. Domestic violence cases are some of the most emotionally charged and challenging situations that first responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and soldiers, encounter in their line of duty.  Professionals responsible for dealing with cases involving ..read more

In a recent episode of Blue Line, The Podcast, editor Brittani Schroeder explores the ongoing mental health challenges within law enforcement. Despite the strides made in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, significant barriers persist. Chief Mental Health Officer Derek Sienko joins the conversation, bringing his unique perspective as a certified police chaplain, a holder of a Master’s in Military Psychology, and a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder survivor. At the forefront of mental health solutions is Diversified Rehabilitation Group, a lifeline for first responders, veterans, and t ..read more