A Must-See For First Responder Mental Health Training

Stirring stories of real first responders who have struggled with mental health challenges and came out on the other side.

These brave men and women demonstrate that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, and that hope and recovery are possible.

Make a pay what you can donation for a DVD or digital download of these eight short films:

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Who are these films for?

Town, city, state, police departments

Sheriff’s offices

Federal law enforcement agencies: CIA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, US Postal Police, Border Patrol/Customs, US Park Police, Amtrak Police Department, US Capitol Police/Secret Service

Corrections officers

Firefighters

Dispatchers

Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics/Pre-Hospital Registered Nurses (PHRNs), Flight Medics (Municipal, non-profit, transport companies)

EMS/Fire/Police training academies

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) mental health training programs

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Teams

Fraternal Order of Police Lodges

Police/Fire/EMS Chaplaincy programs

Peer Support counselors

“This helps me see police officers as human beings.”

First Responder Mental Health Short Films

// A police officer shot during a domestic violence call who struggles with the aftermath of that situation. //

// A dispatcher who talks openly about what it’s like to talk to everyone “on the worst day of their lives.” //

// An officer who thought about “taking myself out” after losing his wife and children due to his alcoholism. //

// And more. //

DOWNLOAD NOW OR GET THE DVD

Why these films?

In 2016, 2017, and 2018, more first responders killed themselves than died in murders or on-duty accidents.

Anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, repeated exposure to trauma, relationship issues, substance abuse are all problems endemic to first responder culture, which sometimes perpetuates a stigma against seeking help.

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The Storytellers

Rob Davis, Police Officer
Ed Pila, Police Officer (Ret.)
Craig Tinneny, Dispatcher
Joseph Peterson, Police Officer
Michelle Monzo, Instructor
Ron Griffith, Police Officer (Ret.)
Ian Stoddart, Paramedic
Ashley Neubauer, Paramedic/Firefighter

WATCH THESE STORIES NOW

“As an officer, I find these videos really well put together.”

OC87 Recovery Diaries exists to tell stories about how people with mental health challenges have created paths to meaningful lives. We feature stories that inspire and empower, stories that generate discussion and awareness.

OC87 Recovery Diaries presents a range of experiences— personal perspectives, recovery innovations, examples of empowerment, strengths and gaps in the mental health system, and efforts to dismantle stigma—all told by people moving through their own recovery journeys.

Learn more about OC87 Recovery Diaries »