Heroes’ Wellness
This page outlines several resources available to our first responders and their families. If you or someone you know works on the front lines, these resources are great for learning more about how to help and get involved.
Why Heroes’ Wellness?
A Law Enforcement Daughter’s Story
The Thin Blue Line Family. My Name is Meaghan O’Leary, and I am a PROUD daughter of a Retired Law Enforcement Officer and niece of two Law Enforcement officers.
Since I was a little girl, I have witnessed the impact of what a law enforcement officer must go through every day. I know the people behind the badge. They are part of my family and longtime friends. I have seen and gone through the restless nights of worry, wondering if my father or uncles will come home in one piece or at all. I have watched him jump in his cruiser with his rifle after he got a call that one of his brothers in blue had been shot. They put on a brave face, but they are worried about what will happen.
There are many times I did not know what happened during a shift. They would hide what they experienced to protect their loved ones from what they saw or had to do. I did not understand why we could not have bacon when my father was home. I found out the smell of bacon would trigger a bad memory, that it would wake him up from a sound sleep.
I was one of the lucky ones who grew up in a law enforcement family. I had my brother, cousins, and other law enforcement children for support because they were experiencing the same feelings as I was. But unfortunately, this is not always the case for other families.
Often people do not understand the men and women behind the badge. I have created this Heroes Wellness to help others understand. I hope that no officer or their families feel alone.
“We have to accept that our profession is stressful compared to a career without chronic trauma exposure.We have to accept a recurrence of compassion fatigue is normal over our career from seeing the worst of the worst on a daily basis. We have a biological post-traumatic response on such on a chronic level due to our level of exposure.
If we recognize in ourselves or each other, that our brains and bodies have to be rejuvenated through awareness and self care, it is vital to take the time to consciously NOT be hypervigilant.
Every warrior can’t be expected to be on the battlefield 24/7.
The ways our brains and bodies respond while working are a skillset that protect us and allow us to protect others. This is a strength, an endurance and a resiliency that is admirable. To endure our careers though, we also need time away from work to find our individual ways to recognize what allows for our peaceful normal. THIS is what allows for longevity in the profession. Finding ways to love going to work and love going home, this balance is critical for our health, our career longevity and overall happiness.
We take care of each other, it is in our blood. If we, or anyone around us, needs support in this process of loving our work and loving going home…there are the following resources that are specific to our profession. ” – Jo Freedman
Dirigo Safety, LLC Heroes’ Wellness Trainings
We offer the following trainings to help support officers’ facing serious stress and seeking help.
Police Mental Health Support Video Resources
If you have a few minutes, these videos highlight some of the struggles and solutions others have experienced when it comes to mental health challenges and support for police officers.
Heroes’ Wellness Books
Law Enforcement AA
Are you or an officer you know struggling with alcohol or other substances? You are NOT alone. There is help and support available through an informal and strictly confidential group of active and retired law enforcement officers and other first responders. We are officers who have been exactly where you are – from still struggling to many years of recovery. Our mission is to use our experience to help our brothers and sisters interested in recovery.
We meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings, both at 1830 hrs on Zoom. Tuesday is an informal open discussion meeting in AA style, and Thursday is welcome to all and designed to walk through the AA program together. But whether you are interested in AA or not does matter. If you are interested in recovery, we are here for you.
To learn more or for immediate support, please call Matt Brown (U.S. Probation Officer retired) 24/7/365 at (207) 415-4737.
The group is celebrating five years of service to our brothers and sisters.
Travis Mills Foundation: Warrior P.A.T.H.H.
Warrior PATHH: Progress & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes
Warrior PATHH is the nation’s first-ever program designed to cultivate and facilitate Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) in combat veterans and first responders, and enables these remarkable Warriors to transform times of deep struggle into profound strength and growth. Warrior PATHH is a transformative, lifelong, post-traumatic growth-based training program for combat veterans and first responders. The training begins with a 7-day on-site initiation at the Travis Mills Foundation that is followed by 90 days of training delivered by PATHH Guides, not clinicians, who have all completed the programs themselves and are just a bit further on the path.
Harbor of Grace, Maryland Harbor of Grace Enhanced
Harbor of Grace, Maryland Harbor of Grace Enhanced
Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center is a comprehensive continuum of care destination for individuals suffering from alcoholism and other chemical dependency addictions. Located in Harford County at the mouth of the Susquehanna River on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Harbor of Grace delivers a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, addressing the needs of the patient’s mind, body and spirit.
Psychology Specialists of Maine
Psychology Specialists of Maine
At Psychology Specialists of Maine, we believe that the therapy process shouldn’t be a mystery. Our psychologists work compassionately and collaboratively with clients to make positive life changes.
We are committed to helping people who want to change hurtful and unhealthy relationship patterns, manage depression and anxiety, and cope with stressful or challenging life events. If you seek support and guidance to manage a difficult situation, or if you’re ready to move forward in a new direction, we invite you to contact us and make an appointment.