Responder Wellness
A Focus On Prevention and Posttraumatic Growth
A Preventative Approach to Responder Wellness
Research reflects high rates of Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicide in the first responder population. Through research we also understand that education, prevention, treatment, and a focus on resiliency are effective in shifting responder’s mental wellness outcomes. Creating a department-wide wellness program is a crucial first step.
The cost of developing and maintaining a wellness program is minimal. Particularly when you consider the financial burden of losing an employee to suicide, or due to a mental health related injury, the cost of worker’s comp, and/or hiring and training a new employee. Financially, it makes more sense to provide preventative care. When there is absolutely no wiggle room in a budget, there are many ways to make a wellness program a reality for your agency.
At Midcoast Counseling Group, we collaborate with departments in the planning, development, and execution of a responder wellness program that best suits the needs of your agency. We can assist you in trouble shooting options for covering the cost of the program—whether this means speaking at a town council meeting, or thinking outside the box with fundraising; we will be with you every step of the way.