Exercise has been proven to help improve and prevent a variety of physical health issues, but can it really improve your mental health? We will explore this connection and feature some tips to get started…
Routine stressors and anxiety triggers like vehicle accidents, car stops, department politics and any other number of prolific tragic scenarios can wear down even the most resilient police officer or first responder. Find out how to spot cumulative PTSD and how to help create healthy coping mechanisms.
In 2010, PTSD day was established on June 27th, with June becoming PTSD awareness month in 2014. Many of our blogs and resources explore PTSD in relation to the primary victim, however, it is also important to remember that those effects ripple out into the PTSD sufferer’s network of friends, family and professional support.
Shifting from military life can be a delicate transition, especially if you served for many years or have retired for medical reasons. It is during this time that many veterans find themselves at a crossroads which can lead them down a path of health and success, or a route to addiction and self-destruction. The choices made at the beginning of this journey will create the foundation of that path, which is why it is so crucial to be properly educated on the hurdles, pitfalls and support resources that await.
For those struggling with depression, it can sometimes be helpful to undertake projects that assist you in clearing your mind and centering your life. Here’s why do-it-yourself projects for depression management can go a long way.
For those locked in the cycle of addiction, the urge to rely on alcohol can come at any time of day. This can include the end of the day, when some people use alcohol as a sleep aid. The relationship between alcohol and sleep is a delicate one, and for those who aren’t careful, the abuse of this relationship can lead to unhealthy habits and unhealthy, fitful sleep.
Veterans of armed conflict are overloaded with stimuli, and it takes a heavy toll on the mind. “Combat stress” is a blanket term used to describe behavioral disruptions experienced as a direct result of exposure to warfare. If left unresolved, these reactions can culminate in dangerous patterns of post-traumatic stress and addiction.
How to Maintain Healthy Boundaries with Clients Understanding boundaries is an important step to achieving physical and emotional health. They can empower you, protect your self-esteem, and lead to healthy relationships in your personal and professional life. Boundaries are limits or rules that help us understand what is safe and permissible, when dealing with other…
Trauma and PTSD – Through Their Eyes Trauma? Noah Kelley*, a 4th generation law enforcement officer and first responder, had seen it all; from the evilest domestic assaults, to burned bodies and Hollywood-worthy car accidents. A seasoned veteran of the curveballs the job would offer daily, he felt he could handle anything. “We received a…
A Wellness Officer’s Perspective – Members of the first responder community, have a mission to protect and serve the lives of those who are placed in harm’s way. The immeasurable pressure to remain composed and diplomatic in moments of extreme stress can be too difficult for the average person to bear. Law enforcement is a…
Female Warrior – “Birthday parties are the worst,” recalls Sarah, a retired Army Captain having served for 15 years in the National Guard, Reserves and on active duty. “When I was in the military, I grew accustomed to not being the only person in the room who looked like me. Now I’m the only mom…
Team Work – We all remember where we were on 9/11. Most of us, watched in complete helplessness as the twin towers fell. Overwhelming emotions echoed throughout the country, and the rest of the world. We felt angry, anxious, fearful and sad. But for Chad*, a now retired member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, the memories tell…
Warrior (n): a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage or aggressiveness. Courage through Trauma (n): a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It had been over five years since *Marc slept peacefully for more than one night at a time. The knowledge of the inevitable flashbacks of what he’d experienced during is seven…
Spouses; “We have a saying in our family, ‘Those who fight the monster, should never become the monster(addiction).’ After his last deployment, something was different – he brought the monster home.” Alexis O’Donnell* recalls the moment she first realized she no longer recognized the man she had been married to for over 20 years. The…
COVID-19 | Adrian Hunt*, a 7-year EMT Veteran on Long Island, NY, loved connecting with her patients when on a call. She prided herself in being able to calm someone down by communicating with them – she knew personal details like hobbies, favorite foods or children’s names before they even arrived at the hospital. She…
Through the Eyes of a Hero – When Marshall Thompson*, a Columbine, CO Police Officer, smells a pizza, his mind transports him to April 20, 1999 — a seemingly normal day – at Columbine High School, when 12 people, including 1 teacher, were shot dead by two young men who subsequently committed suicide following the…
Lorrie Wajciechowski CSAC Clinician My name is Rev. Lorrie Wajciechowski and I was born and raised in Henrico County, Virginia. I am married and have three adult children, and ten grandchildren. I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Religion, and from Liberty University Baptist Seminary with a Master of Divinity. I…
Jackie Jerndal Yoga instructor Born and raised in South Africa Jackie found her love for helping and sharing at a young age and realized very early on that we are on this earth to help each other. Coming to the United States in the late 80’s is where she began her teaching career. Jackie has…
Eric Hall Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mr. Eric Hall joined the Warriors Heart family in January 2024 as the Chief Operating Officer; where he performs the duties as senior executive overseeing the Executive Directors, and the operations and supporting services at our treatment facility locations, along with the coordination and alignment with Headquarters programs. Prior…
Jillian Greer Client Relations – Intake Jillian is very passionate about expressing her emotions through art. She believes that it does not matter whether you have ‘good’ artistic skills or not, but that you feel that you can fully express your emotions through the form of art. Growing up in Louisiana has helped her to…
Bryon Lavin Client Relations Bryon Lavin was born in a small town in the mountains of Colorado. He grow up spending most of his time snowboarding, eventually becoming Pro in 1995 after suffering a major accident in the sport in 2007 he moved to Texas to be with family. Life took a turn after the…
Brittany Durst RN Guy Spottswood was born and raised in upstate New York in the town of Poughkeepsie. He was educated in the local schools and had hopes of attending the world-famous Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park New York, right outside of Poughkeepsie. He never ended up attending the college but, that never…
Brittany Durst RN Brittany is a Texas native and has lived all over from Japan to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Her husband is an active duty Marine of 19 years stationed at Quantico. They have 2 adventerous boys, ages 5 and 8. She fosters and trains service dogs as a volunteer through…
Michelle Chewning Med Tech Michelle Chewning is a Med Tech assigned to Warriors Heart, Virginia. Michelle has been a Paramedic for 20 years and worked as a Firefighter/Medic for Caroline Fire and Rescue from 2003-2007. She was then promoted to Lieutenant of operations and served in that capacity for several years. She left the fire…
