“Did you really want to die?"
"No one commits suicide because they want to die."
"Then why do they do it?"
"Because they want to stop the pain.”
― Tiffanie DeBartolo, How to Kill a Rock Star

There are many misconceptions floating around now surrounding suicide. I even subscribed to some of them at the beginning of this podcast journey, out of my own grief and misunderstanding.

Today, we flip some of those narratives on their heads with Dr. Steven Nicholas, Ed. D, MFT, NCC. Dr. Steve is taking an innovative approach to those seeking to end the pain by showing us that connection could be the key to keeping those who want to end the pain from dying by suicide. He details this idea (and more) in his new book "Living Ideation: A New Approach to Suicide Prevention and Intervention".

What if you could have your own personal health and wellness coach to guide you through a program that teaches you and your co-workers proper nutrition, stress management, sleep hygiene, and a kick-ass workout program?

The way we communicate about mental health can dramatically shift the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. This is especially true in the world of a first responder and how we talk about depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide can make or break a responder in crisis.

Talking about bias and discrimination can be difficult, but it is necessary conversation...especially for first responders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Miller about her upcoming intensive course that is a no-blame, no-shame look at racism, privilege, implicit bias and ethics and is filled with tools, resources, and strategies on how you can heal relationships in your community, and establish trust and legitimacy.

We are facing uncertain times with information changing by the minute. How is a first responder or hospital/EMS worker supposed to cope in the face of the COVID-19 crisis? In this raw and unedited episode (recorded in a firehouse...don't worry, we didn't touch anything), we sit down with Dr. Steve Nicholas, who is a trauma-informed clinician who works with first responders and Northern Nevada Peer Support Network President Derek Reid to discuss how to navigate this uncharted territory and how to show up for work and at home with a sense of purpose. We discuss anxiety, "spinning", and the danger of isolation and what you can do to find connection in the absence of physical connection. We all hope this helps!

As first responders and caretakers, we fall under some pretty heavy expectations. But sometimes we fail to realize that we are human and not immune to making mistakes.

In this episode, we sit down with the lovely Tami Burns. Tami is an experienced R.N. who found herself addicted to pain pills after being prescribed opioids after getting hurt. Tami tried to get help, but wasn't able to get the support she needed in time before things took a turn for the worst. But, Tami is resilient and found her way back to nursing after treatment and a little help from her nursing peers.

Tami is a spunky and warm person with a true heart of gold who tells us about her life as a helper and is very open, honest, and authentic with her journey. She finally realized she is not alone, and neither are you. Please listen to her story with an open mind and compassion.

Thank you Tami for choosing US to help you tell your story!

First responders and healthcare workers are exposed to trauma at work on a daily basis. Some of the trauma is extreme; other traumatic events sneak up on the responder quietly and when they don't expect it.

That is why the concept of "peer support" is starting to take a place in firehouses, police stations, dispatch centers, and hospitals around the country. Contact with a peer support can help dramatically lessen the effect that a critical incident can have on a responder and may even prevent bigger post-trauma reactions down the road.

The Your Oxygen Mask First Podcast is happy to announce that we are partnering with the Northern Nevada Peer Support Network in an effort to bring awareness to the work peer support teams and individuals are doing, as well as highlight stories and helpful resources.

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Reid; the President and Founder of the Northern Nevada Peer Support Network to learn more about how peer support works and how the network is using "unity to find strength" to support our region's responders.

Warning: this episode contains discussion surrounding sexual assault and does go into some detail on the specific acts. Also, adult language and humor warning.

Although sexual assault is starting to become a topic that can be discussed, some survivors are still terrified to tell their stories. Meet Athena Ives; she is a Combat Marine Veteran, author, speaker, doctoral candidate, and a survivor. After being sexually abused as a child by a family member, Athena was also sexually assaulted - twice - while in the military.

While her story may be difficult to hear, it also needs to be heard. And she tells it so beautifully, coming from a place of strength and trying to help others in the process. With her story, she talks about how others can help survivors and how we need to build a culture of listening without judgement.