
Shields Down: Healing for First Responders
Welcome to "Shields Down: Healing for First Responders," the podcast dedicated to helping first responders navigate PTSD recovery, stress management, and emotional resilience. Hosted by Adam Henson, this series dives deep into the mental health challenges faced by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers, providing expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies for healing. Each episode may feature mental health professionals, trauma specialists, and first responders who have walked the path of PTSD recovery, sharing actionable tools for managing stress, anxiety, trauma, and burnout. From coping with critical incidents to building emotional strength and peer support, we cover what it takes to reclaim your mental well-being while continuing to serve. 🔹 Topics We Cover: ✔️ PTSD and trauma recovery in first responders ✔️ Mental health strategies for police, firefighters, paramedics & COs ✔️ Coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and burnout ✔️ How to build resilience and emotional armor ✔️ Navigating family life and relationships with PTSD ✔️ The role of peer support and professional help ✔️ Overcoming the stigma of mental health in first responder culture ✔️ Work-life balance strategies for high-stress careers ✔️ Mindfulness, self-care, and stress reduction techniques ✔️ Real stories of hope, strength, and post-traumatic growth ✔ Plus more... Join us as we break the silence around PTSD and mental health in first responders. Whether you're struggling, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to strengthen your mental fitness, "Shields Down" is your safe space for guidance, connection, and healing. 🎙️ Subscribe now and take the first step toward recovery—because lowering your shield is the first step to reclaiming your strength. Your well-being matters, and your journey isn’t over.
Show episodes
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the critical role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in navigating the intense pressures of emergency response work. First responders—whether police officers, firefighters, paramedics,
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. In this episode, we dive deep into how to manage emotional triggers effectively by understanding their impact and learning practical strategies to regain control over emotional responses. We’ll explore the best coping strategies for emotional reactivity, helping liste
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. Behind the Badge: A Wife’s Journey Through Love, Sacrifice, and Resilience What happens to the people standing beside the badge—the ones who love, support, and sacrifice just as much, but often in silence? In this deeply personal and emotionally honest episode of Shie
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. In this transformative episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the essence of resilience and how it goes beyond mere endurance. Join us as we explore the idea that resilience is not about simply "powering through" adversity but about our ability to adapt, recover,
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. Today we dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional regulation for first responders, exploring how it plays a vital role in resilience. Join us as we discuss:Understanding Emotional Triggers in High-Stress Environments: Discover how repeated exposure to trauma and
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. In this insightful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the vital role self-compassion plays in high-stress professions. First responders often prioritize the needs of others, leaving little time to care for themselves. But what if self-co