“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".
Episode 051: First In Wellness
Episode 050: Erin Craw | Communication in First Responder Mental Health
Episode 049: Dr. Kimberly Miller | Exploring Bias and Privilege
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.
Episode 048: NNPSN: Resilience In Uncertain Times
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!
Episode 047: NNPSP: Tami Burns - We are Human and Not Immune to Making Mistakes
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!
YOMF046: Northern Nevada Peer Support Network - NNPSN
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.
Episode 045: Athena Ives - Healing From Sexual Assault Through Helping Others
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.
Episode 044: Michelle Dutro | Inner North Star a Non-profit offering PTSD Retreats for Veterans and First Responders
Our mantra is "you can't help others until you help yourself". And that is exactly what our guest Michelle Dutro is teaching those with PTSD at her retreat for Veterans and First Responders called Inner North Star.
Michelle is an Air Force Veteran, firefighter/EMT, and mental health clinician. In this episode, she explains why the decision to CHOOSE to be in the best mental health state possible is so important; for not only healing, but continuing to grow in your role in providing help to others in your own life. I highly enjoyed chatting with Michelle and she provides a nonsense philosophy to mental health!
Episode 040: "Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel" by Dr. Stephanie Conn
May is Mental Health Awareness month and today we are excited to talk about first responder mental health with Dr. Stephanie Conn. Stephanie has done it all; as a law enforcement child, to dispatcher, then police officer, mental health clinician, and now an author! In her book "Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel", Stephanie looks at real-world issues first responders face and gives us practical solutions to apply in our every day lives.
Episode 29: Fitness, Health, and Wellness with Officer Ashley Smith
New Year, New You? If you are ready to set some health and wellness goals, listen up! In this episode, we are super excited to chat with the one and only Officer Ashely Smith! Not only is she a badass female police officer, but she is also a health and fitness dynamo and works every day to help others...whether it's on the beat or in everyday life fitness.
We also talk about the stigma surrounding being a social media queen as well as the challenges she has endured working her way up through a male-dominated profession. You will love hearing her authentic and direct words of wisdom...and she is pretty hilarious too.
Episode 28: Dr. Kimberly Miller - Stress Management
Are you struggling a bit dealing with the holidays? Is the stress too much to handle this season? And really, what is up with New Year's resolutions! Today, we meet back up with psychologist Dr. Kimberly Miller to explore ways to deal with family, cope with holiday stress, and other people's poop. Yes, poop. You won't want to miss it!
Episode 27: Dr. Kimberly Miller - Compassion Fatigue
Episode 25: Melisa Celikel - Let’s Get You Organized!
Did you know that clutter in your home can affect your mental health? While I always thought it was a just a pain in the butt, I never realized it can affect your mood and your outlook on life! In this episode, we chat with Clutter Queen Melisa Celikel, owner of Let's Get You Organized! about the steps you need to take to de-clutter your space and take back your mental health!
Episode 15: Therapy Dogs with Stephanie
Do you or someone you know need assistance in getting a psychiatric service animal? It can be daunting to jump through the hoops or even ask for help. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie L. Taylor to discuss her journey to getting a service animal (even as a mental health clinician herself!) and her new book (Animals That Heal: The Role of Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals in Mental Health Treatment) aimed at helping others navigate this experience.
Episode 12: Intuitive Parenting with Kristi Finney
Episode 10: Joyfully Divorced with Diane McDermott
What does it mean to be “joyfully divorced?” Those are not two words you hear together very often! Today, we chat with Diane McDermott who is making it her mission to get rid of the stigma around talking about divorce and connecting those who are going through that transition. Find out what she has learned from her own personal experience and why she is using this opportunity to talk to us for her own healing!
Episode 9: Rapid Transformational Therapy with Amy Turner
She’s baaaaack! Amy Turner, the "No B.S. Sweetheart" and the founder of No B.S. Therapy is back for Round 2 on the Your Oxygen Mask First Podcast. Today, we are diving into Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) which is a special type of therapy (and her specialty) that combines aspects of traditional therapy with hypnosis to get those who are suffering to feel better and make breakthroughs in a fraction of the time of conventional therapy. Join us to find out how this can benefit you and why having support is SO important!
