Episode 103 - Breaking the Silence: Why First Responders Must Talk About Mental Health

29/07/2025 34 min
Episode 103 - Breaking the Silence: Why First Responders Must Talk About Mental Health

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Episode Synopsis

Send us a textIn this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Sgt Q is joined by special guest Pastor Jay, a veteran firefighter, to share an impactful and transformative story of Mike Washington, a retired Seattle firefighter whose journey through trauma and near-suicide became a powerful beacon of hope. Together, they explore the critical importance of recognizing mental health struggles within emergency services, highlighting significant cultural shifts over recent years. Through vulnerable sharing, profound insights, and practical strategies like CPR for mental health—Check in, Provide support, Refer for help—they emphasize the life-changing power of breaking stigma and creating open, supportive conversations. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, veterans, and anyone facing hidden battles.🔔 Subscribe and share to support mental health awareness and first responder resilience!Chapters:00:00 - The Hidden Battles of First Responders02:20 - Mike Washington's Powerful Story06:17 - A Culture Shift in Fire Service Mental Health10:11 - Recognizing and Responding to Mental Health Crises14:39 - Why Mental Health Matters for First Responders18:18 - Changing the Conversation About Trauma22:00 - Overcoming Stigma: Mike Washington's Impact25:35 - Pivotal Moments: Changing Perspectives28:20 - The God Moment: How Stories Transform Lives32:19 - Processing Trauma: Lessons from Real Calls36:45 - Sharing Your Story: The Key to HealingHashtags:#FirstResponderMentalHealth #MikeWashington #FirefighterPTSD #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingStigma #EmergencyServices #MentalResilience #MentalHealthJanitors #ChristianPodcastSupport the show

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