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24/7 Hotline for all needs. Conversation, mental health, spiritual challenges. Call (888) 80-TURCH.
Clinical care for firefighters and their families. Call (815) 353-3122.
Multi-aspect children's care. Call (815) 469-1500.
Clinical care for firefighters, retirees, families, Joliet residents. Call (779) 246-3557
JFD Chaplain Br. Ed Arambasich has established the JFPSG Youth Group. This group has been developed for children and grandchildren (aged 10-17) of firefighters and retirees and provides a supportive atmosphere and opportunity for community service. Please contact Br. Ed if you are interested in participating at (815) 409-8705 or jfdchap@gmail.com.
Seneca the Younger 4 BCE - 65 CE
This is the phase where distress tolerance is built. Techniques such as stress inoculation training, visualization of critical incidents, and cue-based breathing exercises may enable the firefighter to reduce the impact of the event when it occurs. Preparedness is the key.
Responders are often "too busy" to worry about stress management. - there is too much to be done. The firefighter will be better prepared if the rebuild phase is properly done. The firefighter will be able to endure more distress as a result and may suffer fewer negative effects later.
When the event is over, it is hoped that the built distress tolerance will have reduced the impact of the event. Some incidents, however, will inevitably have an effect on some responders. This is where coping strategies and resilience come in. Robust coping strategies are a must for these situations. Common coping mechanisms include distraction with hobbies and other activities, seeking meaning in work, and seeking social support.
When we have recovered from an event, it is time to evaluate our response and determine ways to improve it for the next event. This may include developing more or better distress tolerance techniques to mitigate the effects of the next exposure, being better prepared during the response phase through training, or exploring more robust coping strategies for use post-event.
Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, Ph.D., suicidologist for the Joliet Firefighters Peer Support Group has provided real, common sense advice for managing stress using individual coping strategies. Check out her presentation.
The JFPSG proudly serves the active members, retirees, and families of the City of Joliet Fire Department in Joliet, Illinois. Thank you present and past JFD members for your support and good work.
The Joliet Firefighters Peer Support believes that the path to Joliet Firefighter mental and emotional health begins with firefighters, clinicians, clergy, and public officials working together to provide support, education, and connection to resources to our firefighters and their families. The public can depend on firefighters. Firefighters can depend on their peer support network.
A Fire Department where all Joliet Firefighters and their families are holistically cared for by their peer network regarding all forms of mental and emotional health.
We are a volunteer organization that has the best interest of firefighters in mind. Our firefighters have been trained to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Peer Support standards and are prepared to provide quality peer support.
Suicide in the fire service has surpassed line of duty deaths (LODD) in firefighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 48 firefighter LODD in 2019. Compare this to 119 firefighter suicides.
SUD is a common issue within the first responder community. Current research suggests that those in fire service engage in binge drinking at almost double the rate of the general public. Other issues include improper use of depressants and stimulants.
PTSD symptoms include intrusion, avoidance, negative cognition and mood, and alteration in arousal response. There are effective treatments for this disorder.
Firefighters experience depressive disorders at more that twice the rate of the general public (17% vs 7%). Depression is highly treatable. There are resources available to help.
The firefighter is not the only one affected by this career choice. Spouses, partners, significant others, children and even parents can all face challenges.
Ask mental health professionals and they will tell you that everything is related to sleep. Many mental health (and physical) issues can be negatively affected by poor sleep.
Divorce can be a very stressful event in a firefighter's life. The Joliet Firefighters Peer Support Group has clinicians who specialize in pre-divorce couples and family counseling as well as post-divorce support.
Wellness is a critical element in the resiliency process. There are many dimensions to wellness including physical, spiritual, emotional, and social.
Seek help NOW! There is HOPE! Call or text (855) JFD-PEER,
Call or text the Upper Room Crisis Line (888) 808-8724,
Call or text Aspire Center for Positive Change (815) 353-3122.
101 East Clinton Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432, United States
(855) JFD-PEER info@jfdpeersupport.com
24/7 in Emergencies.
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