HU2H
No one should have to fight PTSD alone. Why? Because we aren't alone, even if we think we are. As veterans and first responders, we fight together on the job and when the physical fights are over, the mental ones begin, some sooner, some later, everyone is different. That's the frustrating thing about PTSD, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it and NO.. we are not weak, we are not thin skinned, we are warriors, but every human being has a breaking point.
Some choose to live in denial and self-medicate with alcohol, sleep or whatever gives them an outlet. Sadly, some outlets might feel good for the moment like raging at our loved ones unnecessarily. These outlets aren't healthy. It feels good for the moment to let out some steam, but they take a toll on our relationships with our loved ones and in the end, we know we are wrong, which only brings upon the guilt. Before we know it, we are losing ourselves, our loved ones and falling down the rabbit hole where the demons get the best of us.
My advice to those who don't understand PTSD or might even be in denial... Everyone has a back story, we weren't born into our occupations and even those who had healthy lives prior to their service, the bad calls or experiences take a toll. Then, out of fear of judgement, we stay silent. Often our closest brothers and sisters have no idea who we really are or what we've been through, so never judge... EVER!!!
Our fights don't end when the calls are over or after we get home, so we should fight the demons together just the same. How do we do that? For starters, Buddy Check! Call one another, check on one another, pay attention to what is going on and if you notice something different about a brother or sister... ASK THEM what is going on. I promise you this, by asking them if they are ok, or need to talk is not going to offend them or give them any ideas. In fact, they just might appreciate that someone cares enough to ask and any ideas they have, are already there.
Get familiar with the resources available for those who battle PTSD OUTSIDE of the workplace. Most veterans and first responders DO NOT TRUST their employers, agencies or units to do the right thing, even if some will. Trust is a big problem, so find other alternatives sooner rather than later. They will thank you for saving them the humiliation of the trip to the mental ward.
Heroes United to Heal (HU2H) was formed for the purpose of sharing information about many incredible non-profit organizations who've developed proven innovative ways to help each other heal. Consider this page your one stop shopping website to a variety of amazing opportunities to find help from people who have walked in our shoes. These programs have been designed and are run by fellow brothers and sisters who understand us and can custom design just about anything to meet our needs.
HU2H will also be working hard to raise money for some of these organizations who don't have celebrity endorsements or deep marketing pockets but are proven to be doing amazing work saving the lives of heroes. Each organization is vetted and all I ask, is for those who take the opportunity to benefit from them, please message me privately and tell me about your experience. I want to make sure that I can continue to back up what I'm endorsing.
All it takes is a phone call and an application which is completely confidential. Many, if not most of the programs are free of charge and funded as nonprofit organizations to help veterans and first responders heal from the invisible wounds they have acquired. Please check out the links below to learn more.
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Veterans Unite Podcast |
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Boot Campaign's Health and Wellness program, built on the principles of providing holistic care and working to identify the root cause of hidden wounds of war, delivers personalized treatment plans to veterans and their families. Boot Campaign provides care to treat diverse health challenges connected to Posttraumatic Stress and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as addressing trauma-based insomnia, chronic pain, substance abuse, nutrition and fitness. Boot Campaign serves veterans of any era and any branch and we are committed to making sure you get the help you deserve. ______________________________ |
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The purpose of T-6 is to provide First Responders with the necessary training to navigate the stressors of our occupation, to ensure career longevity, and a better quality of life. ______________________________ |
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To offer treatment for successful recovery from post-traumatic stress and co-occurring addictions and help IAFF members return to the job. ______________________________ |
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The Mighty Oaks Warrior journey begins with intensive peer based programs that utilize instructional sessions, camaraderie, and team building activities that are designed to challenge our Warriors to overcome their past experiences and move forward into a life of purpose. Our programs take place all across America on Military Bases, at our Outposts, and on rural ranch lodges. Each facility allows the Warriors to appreciate the peace of nature, and have an “un-plugged” experience while they focus on the challenges they face in completing the program. ______________________________
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Sacred Mountain Retreat Center seeks to honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s wounded, ill or injured Veterans, First Responders, & Gold Star families. We are a catalyst for positive change in the lives of these heroes, we help to eliminate the noise of everyday life and encourage healing through exposure to nature, alternative healing methods, and open communication with our brothers and sisters in arms. ______________________________ |
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The Brian Bill Foundation was established to provide support to Special Operations Forces active duty, veterans and their spouses who have been deployed since 911 and as a result have mild traumatic brain injuries, combat post traumatic stress and chronic pain. Our Warrior Healing Program includes the opportunity to learn about and try cutting edge therapeutic modalities such as Equine Assisted Learning, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, iRest, nutrition and team building. Our Warrior Healing Program begins with four day retreats that are for eight warriors or six couples focused on a team-centric approach, made up of those who share common backgrounds and experiences. The therapeutic program employed by The Brian Bill Foundation is endorsed by the United States Special Operations Command “Care Coalition” based at SOCOM headquarters at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida. ______________________________ |
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The Veteran-led Boulder Crest Foundation uses the proven science of Post traumatic Growth to heal, train, and advocate for combat veterans, first responders, and their families who have experienced trauma. We develop, deliver, and scale transformative programs to ensure these remarkable men and women transform struggle into strength and lifelong growth, so they can live the great lives they deserve. More broadly, we are working to improve outcomes for veterans and first responders through training that teaches individuals how to live healthy and fulfilling lives. ______________________________ |
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Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research. As a National Center of Excellence, Home Base operates the first and largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to providing life-saving clinical care and support for the treatment of the invisible wounds to include post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, family relationship challenges and other issues associated with military service. ______________________________ |
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We are a resource for first responders and their families to speak confidentially with former law enforcement officers, fire fighters, first responder professionals, and/or mental health care providers who are familiar with your line of work. All communications are confidential, with comprehensive assistance and planning for mental health support for first responders and their families, as well as all emergency services personnel and their families. No first responder is alone. There is help. We are here. ______________________________ |
