For all the first responders on scene of a tragic event or accident, medical professionals, and in the mental health field: you are strong, you are brave, and you are human. After experiencing these difficult experiences, please remember to provide yourself with some self-care as you cope with witnessing tragedy. Breathe. Find something simple for you to help you with positive coping skills, such as reading a book or Bible, go fishing, take a walk, get some coffee with a friend, play board/video games, listen to music, dance, play sports, work out, fix things, create art, hug a loved one–whatever helps you manage stress in a positive manner. It is ok to cry; it is ok to share your feelings with a friend or family member. It is ok to get professional help if your feelings are overwhelming. It is ok to feel normal now and break down in the future and get help later. Most of all, it is OK to ask for help. You are loved and supported. You are brave, and you are not alone. If you feel overwhelmed with emotions, remember you are not alone, and it is ok to talk to someone about it. It is ok for the helpers to receive help.
I know it is hard to ask for help when you are supposed to be strong. After all, who do you call when you are the one who normally saves the day? This feeling isn’t restricted to people in fields related to community service and helping others. This feeling of needing to be strong can be felt by people who hold the family together, or the friend who everyone calls for advice or help. Yes, you are strong, and you are wise. But it is ok to admit you need a break. Take time to promote self-care and utilize those positive coping skills. Pick up a hobby to help uplift your spirits. I admit, as one who is in the field of helping, sometimes, I too need help. We all do, and that is ok. The hardest thing for those who are strong is to admit, hey, I need a hand with this. I am not ok. Some people are worried about stigma within the workplace. I have witnessed colleagues experience compassion fatigue, and PTSD from witnessing and living through traumatic experiences that they are trying to help. When it is your colleague, you can provide support by listening to their needs, their stories. It helps to be able to relate to someone who is experiencing something similar. It is even ok to go to a mental health professional and seek help. Never be ashamed for a little quality care. If you are sick, you would go to a doctor, wouldn’t you? It is ok to see a counselor when you need a little help coping with stress, and to recover from responding to a tragic event. Here are some signs that you or someone you know may need some help:

  1. Isolation from others
  2. Disturbed sleep
  3. Increased irritability
  4. Decreased interest in significant activities
  5. Self-destructive or reckless behavior
  6. Intrusive memories or thoughts of a traumatic event
  7. Avoidance of thoughts, feelings or external reminders of the event
  8. Feelings of numbness
  9. Hypervigilance or exaggerated states of fear
  10. Persistent, negative beliefs about yourself and the world.
    Remember, it is ok for the helpers to receive help. Never be ashamed if you need to recharge your batteries and reboot. Taking care of yourself will help you regain your strength to be able to care for others. Getting help is an investment in improving not only your quality of life, but how you improve the quality of life of your friends, family, colleagues, and community.