From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Resilience and Healing Part 2
In studio today are Michael McIntosh, Dan Brite, and Christine Brite.
In last week’s episode, we delved into the significant subject of mental health in law enforcement. Throughout the conversation, we followed the journey of Dan and Christine Brite from struggling with mental health issues to becoming advocates and leaders in the field.
After sustaining life-threatening injuries, Dan shares his struggles with reintegration into the Sheriff's office. He initially chose to return to his previous unit, attempting to immerse himself in busy work. But as time went on, he found this approach to be ineffective and even detrimental to his mental health.
Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: How the Idea of a Wellness Program Was Conceived
During this period, Sheriff Spurlock approached him with an opportunity that would change his life forever. The Sheriff proposed the idea of a wellness program. He didn't fully understand what that meant at the time, but he was open to trying something different.
As he progressed in therapy, he began to realize that this wellness program could be his new calling. He was given the opportunity to shape this program based on his experiences and the needs he saw in the agency. The program quickly morphed into an essential part of law enforcement, eventually gaining the attention of the International Association Chief of Police, who invited him to be a subject matter expert and help other agencies build wellness programs.
This wellness program saved his career and served as a platform for helping others in law enforcement. However, despite the success of the wellness program, there were still obstacles to overcome. The stigma around mental health in law enforcement remained a significant hurdle, as did the need for leadership to understand the importance of mental health resources.
First Responders' Unique Struggles: The Importance of Culturally Competent Therapists
It's crucial to note that the need for mental health resources in law enforcement has always existed, but only now are serious efforts being made to break down the stigma and realize that it's okay to need help. Dan and Christine emphasized a severe shortage of culturally competent therapists who understand the profession and its unique stressors. This situation has sometimes resulted in therapists being unable to handle the traumatic stories officers share, leading to a role reversal in therapy sessions.
One development that promises to help alleviate this problem is an academic program for psychology specific to first responders and military personnel. Created by Dr. Sarah Metz, this online program aims to provide a foundational knowledge base about first responders. It's not exclusively for first responders; therapists and psychologists can also join to gain a culturally competent basis.
Breaking Down the Stigma: The Struggle to Promote Mental Health in Law Enforcement
While there has been significant progress in addressing mental health in law enforcement, much work remains to be done. The stigma around mental health and the lack of understanding from leadership are considerable barriers that must be overcome. It's time for a cultural shift in law enforcement to acknowledge and address the mental health needs of its officers openly and without judgment. It's clear that when mental health is prioritized, not only is the well-being of officers improved, but the quality of their work and decision-making abilities are enhanced. As the conversation continues, Dan and Christine Brite are working to ensure that more agencies adopt these life-changing wellness programs.
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