Those Who Serve Training

Each carries its own horror, each changes those that respond. Whether it's the intensity of the battle, the horrendous nature of the crime, or the useless loss of life; each has a profound effect on the first responders. Some effects may appear immediately, others may take decades, others destroy in silence. Symptoms vary; denial of the problem, emotional numbing, being preoccuppied with the job off duty, feeling isolated from loved ones and feeling guilty because they weren't able to prevent the tragedies. Others symptoms are recurring mental images of the incidents (intrusive thoughts), irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of interest in sex, headaches, and stomach problems.

Many first responders are unwilling to share their feelings with their loved ones, out of a desire not to burden them with the horrors they have witnessed. They think that it is bad enough that they live with the vivid images of tragic death. The men and women in these professions often discount the impact these events have had on them and that they really have been changed at their core. If you recognized that you need help, would you admit it? Do you feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness? True strength lies in admitting when one's own efforts to change aren't working and help is needed. Keeping feelings bottled up often seems easier and less complicated than disclosing them and asking for help.

SOS at Zac's Ridge allows our first responders the "safe zone" they need to really deal with the effects of their service to all of us. Among their peers, others that have walked in their shoes, they can finally take a close look at the event(s) that have profoundly touched them, so they can finally re-write the ending and begin to live again.

The reason the SOS training is effective is because it is taught by people that were first responders themselves that served their country and communities by profession. Their experiences changed them, too. They know, first hand, what you are dealing with and through this training, they were able to regain their confidence and take control of their lives.

The SOS Training will help you:

• Identify what triggers your stressful memories and other symptoms
• Find ways to cope with intense feelings about the past
• Become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, so you can change your reactions to them
• Raise your self-esteem

What if the nightmares can stop? What if the nagging doubt disappears? What if you can wipe that slate clean?

Contact SOS at Zac's Ridge to learn more about how this program can help you take control of your life again. You are not alone.