COVID-19 with the “Delta” variant, along with the newest variant “Omicron,” has inflicted devastation on public health around the world; disrupting all aspects of life globally. As the unknown future of this ever-mutating virus continues, a largely unmasked nation walks the line of a “new normal;” celebrating the return to near-ordinary life with children returning…
When Americans are asked to recognize U.S. service members, law enforcement and first responders, the feelings of reverence honoring those men and women are of unity and appreciation. The recognition that these heroes sacrifice their safeties in daily battles is generally met with gratitude and celebration. But these heroes are fighting even after their life…
Law enforcement officers, and other members of the first responder community, have a mission to protect and serve the lives of those who are placed in harm’s way. The immeasurable pressure to remain composed and diplomatic in moments of extreme stress can be too difficult for the average person to bear. Law enforcement is a…
Working within high stress environments is familiar for first responders, law enforcement, emergency room and intensive care staff. Frontline workers have been trained to maintain a level of composure while performing complicated procedures like gunshot wounds, heart attacks, and patients coding. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new challenge to this group of professionals; a chronic…
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed from the work of two brothers named Carlos and Helio Gracie who learned the techniques from a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda who migrated to Brazil around 1917. Jiu-jitsu is not what it appears. When people learn that I study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a common response I get is, “Oh you do MMA.” They think of me as a fighter in a cage or ring. This is a narrow perception of…
By Dr. Rick Boone Clinical Director, Warriors Heart As the constantly-evolving news of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps across the nation and covers our world with apprehension and conflicting points of view, we at Warriors Heart are taking a thoughtful, balanced approach in an effort to protect ourselves and our clients from careless exposure to illness…
Routine stressors and anxiety triggers like vehicle accidents, car stops, department politics and any other number of prolific tragic scenarios can wear down even the most resilient police officer or first responder. Find out how to spot cumulative PTSD and how to help create healthy coping mechanisms.
In 2010, PTSD day was established on June 27th, with June becoming PTSD awareness month in 2014. Many of our blogs and resources explore PTSD in relation to the primary victim, however, it is also important to remember that those effects ripple out into the PTSD sufferer’s network of friends, family and professional support.
Shifting from military life can be a delicate transition, especially if you served for many years or have retired for medical reasons. It is during this time that many veterans find themselves at a crossroads which can lead them down a path of health and success, or a route to addiction and self-destruction. The choices made at the beginning of this journey will create the foundation of that path, which is why it is so crucial to be properly educated on the hurdles, pitfalls and support resources that await.
Veterans of armed conflict are overloaded with stimuli, and it takes a heavy toll on the mind. “Combat stress” is a blanket term used to describe behavioral disruptions experienced as a direct result of exposure to warfare. If left unresolved, these reactions can culminate in dangerous patterns of post-traumatic stress and addiction.
