Oct 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 10

A BADGE OF HONOR healing

A BADGE OF HONOR healing our heroes Our Mental Health Wellness depends on many various factors. When it comes to First Responder Mental health and wellness, we need to get out of the “One and Done” mentality. First responder wellness must begin at the beginning. The mental mindset along with the proper conditioning, must become your career lifestyle. Once you decide to make the commitment to serve, make the commitment to survive. Let’s face it, the choice to become a First Responder is a life change. So, adding a few basic ingredients to your Mental Health recipe will help in longevity. We all know the trauma we witness can impact our mindset. We all have access to many of the resources around us to handle the short and long-term impacts. Remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE. But we need to look on how we can lessen these impacts of trauma prior to the trauma itself. Proper preparation is what it takes. So how do you prepare for the things we may encounter? Well education is key. Learning what your mind and body can withstand is most important. First responder life is not for everyone. It is truly a calling. 160 The BLUES If you are going to run a marathon, it takes training. Training each day to make it to the end without strains, sprains, or long-lasting injuries. Some people are not meant to run these distances, so preparation is needed. The First responder world is no different. We all want to make it across the Finish Line. To do this successfully, we MUST train, condition, prepare and ask for help when needed. Everyone needs a spotter every now and then. There is no shame in asking for assistance. A Healthy Coping Mechanism depends on it. First, our eating habits. Working long and rotating shifts does not always afford us the opportunity to eat healthy. So just reducing our fast-food intake a few times a week can help. Taking a few extra minutes, a day to prepare a healthy meal at home will improve your mental mindset and will also be more heart healthy. Reducing our intake of foods high in carbohydrates and sodium can benefit our Mental Health greatly. Taking vitamin supplements each day can also help reduce stress levels by suppling our body with the much-needed SAMANTHA HORWITZ & JOHN SALERNO replacement of nutrients our bodies may have depleted. Proper R.E.M sleep is something many of us lack. Getting 6 to 8 hours of improper sleep is as bad as getting no sleep at all. Many of us toss and turn, not really getting full rest. Utilizing your bodies senses can help. Natural Oils (such as Magnesium) or pleasant scents around your sleeping area can make a huge difference. Exercise is essential, but lifting weights and walking the treadmill at a gym is only one form of physical wellness. Sometimes a less impactful form of exercise can be more rewarding than the muscle burn of weight training. Walking, Yoga, Meditation and stretching all while connecting your mind and body will put you into a healthy balance. Once this is achieved, you will find everything around you will also fall into a proper balance. Retired NYPD Detective John Salerno

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