In his 1983 book entitled Mister Rogers Talks with Parents, Fred Rogers recounted how when he was a child and would see scary things on the news, his mother would tell him, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." In many cases, those "helpers" are the EMTs and paramedics who are first to ... Read More
Behavioral & Mental Health
Approximately 18.5% of adults in the U.S. have experienced mental illness. These disorders include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder among others. This learning center explores the reality of mental health and the treatment needed. The stigma surrounding this issue prevents people from reaching out for quality help when a better life is possible. Our mental health licensed professionals treat patients with a variety of conditions and inform our topics found in this section.
Mental Health Care for EMTs and Paramedics
Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes a Problem
Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is not officially diagnosed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Yet it is a severe eating disorder that can be life-threatening. Orthorexia and Its Connection to Healthy Eating When someone has orthorexia, they are fixated or obsessed ... Read More
Mental Health Care for Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers are charged with the task of serving and protecting citizens and creating a safe environment for everyone in their communities. Being a police officer can be rewarding, but it also comes with high demands and exposure to trauma. Over time, this can take a severe toll on the officer's mental ... Read More
Can You Get PTSD from Witnessing a Terrible Event?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that many people misunderstand, largely thanks to some persisting myths and misinformation. Traumatic events leave people feeling sad, anxious, frightened, or even guilty. When these feelings persist for long periods, it could be PTSD. While most individuals ... Read More
How to Help Someone Silently Suffering from Depression
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects a wide array of people, regardless of factors like age, race, or income level. About 17 percent of Americans struggle with depression and as many as six out of 10 adults in this country will experience at least one episode of depression in their ... Read More
Tips for Living with Someone with OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of those terms that's used relatively incorrectly nowadays. Someone who prefers a neat house might quip that they have OCD, but that's not what living with OCD is really like. Anyone who's experienced living with an OCD partner knows it can actually be quite challenging. ... Read More
Can You Have PTSD from a Home Fire or Burglary?
When dangerous, shocking, or scary events occur, the body triggers a series of functions that help protect you until the danger passes. You probably know this as the "fight-or-flight" response. After trauma, people experience a range of symptoms because this response doesn't fully stop. While most recover with time, ... Read More
5 Tips for Living with Someone with Depression
All relationships require a lot of work because they demand time, communication, honesty, loyalty, understanding and compromise. Living or being with someone who's depressed can be even more challenging, as they may not understand why they're feeling down. It takes adjustments on your part to provide support while ... Read More