Undercover Mental Health
By Steve Serbic
This podcast is about mental health and PTS. Admitting you have struggled with mental health is probably one of the hardest things to do, please help us keep the conversation going to help end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Undercover Mental HealthJan 25, 2021
Fighter
Fighter: Defying The NHL Odds: Volpatti, Aaron: 9781738700608: Books - Amazon.ca
What a Ride
Isabel Ruediger talks about how fulfilling the job can be, and after putting 30 years in, she left as one of the most respected leaders on the job. Leading the departments CISM team and helping her fellow firefighters when they were struggling, Izzy decided she wanted to continue making a difference and is now am established and very busy Clinical Counsellor.
What a career, what a human, what a story!
The Good Doctor
Juggling work life / balance is really hard for everyone, Mark's unique outlook on life is super contagious, we should all be taking a page out of this mans recipe for happiness. This podcast was recorded in mid July before the Shelbourne bank incident, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the police officers and their families who were involved in that event. #gvertstrong
People Care
Christmas is a very tough time for so many, please know you are not alone and people do care.
Listen to the Fire Chief of Esquimalt being interviewed on Victoria's Rumble Room about struggling over the holidays.
Crisis Line Canada Dial 1 833 456 4566 / Text 45645
Crisis Line USA Dial 988 / Text 741741
Crisis Line UK Dial 0800 689 5652 / Text 85258
Merry Christmas, Stay Safe
Holiday Blues
The Breath
Over the Rail
Kevin shares the technique he used to gain trust, create conversation and then help people take the first step to starting a new life. Climbing back over the rail.
Behind The Line
The guests on her podcast " Behind The Line" tell stories of tough calls, tough workplaces and organizational stress.
The goal of her work is to keep the conversation going, break down the stigma and help someone out of a tough spot.
Check out Behind The Line at Behind The Line Podcast for First Responders by Lindsay Faas (thrive-life.ca)
No PTSD for me
Working in one of the busiest fire departments will definitely affect you and perhaps your family, but this 31-year veteran believes that he has retired from his career completely unaffected.
Steve and this guest have worked together for over 30 years, they have a very special relationship, only one struggled and the other did not.
Listen to them talk about their different perspectives on mental health in fire service.
The Millennial
Never Give Up
Marcus illustrates this through his tattoo, which is from the Huna teachings: "Expect the best, bless the present, trust yourself." Marcus is the only human on the planet who mentally and physically prepared himself to do over 7000 pull ups in 24 hours
Mental Judo
Breaking Point
Time to Go
The town of Logan Lake spent a decade in preparation, focusing on fire mitigation that definitely saved the community from a behemoth of a wildfire that threatened the community and everyone who lived there.
This Podcast features one of the few who stayed behind to help support the firefighters coming in to take a stand on that wildfire.
Krista Dick tells what it is like to live in a remote community, have family members who are firefighters, and then decide whether to stay or to go. Krista stayed, and was so helpful to those folks who came in and tried to help out this small town.
Dare to Lead
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.
Our guest Keith Lidner speaks to his 35 years of experience in Policing. He has held almost every position from drug enforcement, Major Crimes Unit, to ERT. He is very well respected and is a leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
The Long Road Back
Brady started experiencing anxiety and using drugs just as his Western Hockey League career started to take shape, it was all there for this young hockey player to make his way to the show; he eventually did sign with the Tampa Bay Lighting, but it was short lived.
His life started to spiral out of control and he ended up homeless, on the east side of Vancouver. His story could be a best seller in how hard he works to stay clean and how he helps others. He speaks opening about the mistakes he has made and tells his tragic story courageously in hopes to help others, and prevent kids from following the same path.
The Joker
These old firefighters laugh it up telling some memorable stories about getting through tough days while working in one of the busiest fire departments in the country. With normal work stressors being compounded by death and destruction and all of its effects, creating fun moments and deep belly laughter in your day can be pure medicine.
A Chief, Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief and a Captain who were legendary when it came to the odd joke at the fire hall, talk about the importance of having fun at work. Listener discretion not advised, as this is the most edited podcast ever created.
The Occupational Athlete
Rising to the challenge
In 2019, the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC (FCABC) and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) held a two-day BC Fire Leadership Summit in Victoria. This was an opportunity for leaders to gain a greater understanding of our respective challenges, with a focus on successful labour relations, mental health. Membership and management working towards common goals, we are all in this together!
Day It All Changed
Lionel Crowther is one of the most courageous firefighters in the country, not because he was involved in a tragic event, but because he is willing to talk about it and help others.
His words are powerful, his message is strong and he speaks openly about the support of his amazing wife Joanna, and the doctors, caregivers and all the fellow firefighters he has met along the way who helped him through the toughest time in his life.
Flow
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. Tomasz Drybala is the mindfulness master, and he lives his life 15 minutes at a time.
Tomasz is running the circumference of the globe to help break down the the stigma around mental health and helping people better understand depression and anxiety. Starting his journey in Sept 2022 and then completing it in March 2026, running over 40,000 kms.
There are many reasons why people take up running; to improve mental health is undoubtedly one of the main ones. Studies have shown that running can help prevent depression, make people happier and, if stopped, can induce symptoms of depression.
For Polish-born, England-based adventurer Tomasz Drybala, he discovered that sport, namely running seriously long distances, was key to helping him recover from mental health problems.
To follow Tomasz Drybala go to Unleash Your Best Self (tomaszdrybala.com)
Firefighting and CISM the First Nations way
The Why
Paul Rosen is a suicide survivor and recovering addict, he talks openly about his mental illness and his road to recovery.
In 1975 as a promising 15-year-old Midget AAA hockey player, Rosen was skating hard in tournament when he caught a rut in the ice, fell and snapped his leg in 14 places. Over the next 24 years, Rosen underwent countless surgeries to repair his leg, however, in 1997 his leg snapped again. Over the next 18 months he suffered through 14 more unsuccessful surgeries until doctors discovered a massive infection in his knee and delivered the diagnosis that at age 39, his right leg would have to be amputated.
Paul Rosen has represented Canada as a member of the Paralympic ice hockey team three times, winning gold in 2006. The former goaltender joins CBC/Radio-Canada’s broadcast team for the Paralympic Winter Games as an ice hockey analyst.
Whispers on the Ocean
Tracee Andrews is a mental health ally, former paramedic, author and an amazing Canadian. After graduating from the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Paramedic Academy, the author spent most of her sixteen year medical career working in Vancouver’s infamous Downtown Eastside. In her first novel, she delves into the lives and histories of the people she came to know while working as a paramedic in Canada’s poorest neighborhood. Tracee’s book speaks to one of Canada’s greatest wrongs and its lasting impact on generations of people, related and otherwise. It is a story of how institutionalized bigotry has shaped Canada’s relationship with its First Nations Peoples. It exposes a dark, and until recently, hidden chapter in Canadian history, that of Indian Residential Schools; the effects of which the Canadian Government now acknowledges as being “profoundly negative.”
The Mental Game
Professional athletes are pushed each and every day to give 100% of their physical ability, but many people are unaware that being a professional athlete and performing at an elite level requires more of your mind than body.
Our guest is a coach and former pitcher of one of the toughest mental sports on the planet, baseball. This podcast is about mental preparation; not just for your sport but for your life.
What's Happening
A courageous story of survival from an author, musician, songwriter.
Michael Barry is someone who has suffered from Disassociated Disorder and PTSD most of his life. Understanding what is happening when you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis is next to impossible to recover from without help from a health profession. Getting the right diagnoses and then the correct treatment is absolutely critical in moving forward. Michael talks about how he has survived to this point in his life and how he gets through each day. It starts with being kind to yourself and realizing that getting help is the most important thing you can do towards living a healthier life.
Author - Rooftops, available on Amazon
The Unbroken
Steve Serbic shares his story and experiences as a way of encouraging others to do the same, his book The Unbroken can be purchased at all major bookstores and on amazon.
A Good Cry
Second Chance
It is a story of a young man who gave up on himself and was about to follow the path he thought was set out for him, ending up in prison. The change in his life came when he met a man who believed in him, looking at not where he was, but what he could become. When you believe in someone, anything can happen, and Ian Humphrey is an example of how a tragic story can turn beautiful.
Please check out Ian's Goalcast story, it is one of the most motivational videos you will ever watch.
(Ian Humphrey "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" - goalcast.com)
A Fighting Chance
Throughout life you are told you're not big enough, strong enough or tough enough, there are very few places where you can actually prove them all wrong.
Our guest, Amelia Moore is one of the most determined human beings I have ever met and has an amazing outlook on life.
She has worked so hard to get to where she is now, and she goes out of her way to inspire others along the way.
Follow Amelia Moore on her quest for gold - WebsiteAmeliaMooreBoxing.com / Instagram @1Moore_Round / www.facebook.com/AmeliaMooreBoxing/
Mental Health Mayday
Telling your boss that you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue is terrifying. Andrew proves that it was the best thing he could have done.
Evidence-based research states that when the employer steps up and supports an employee when they suffer a mental health injury or crisis, the organization will benefit when that employee returns to work. The fire service leads the way in helping others see the benefit of creating education and awareness around mental health, and then stepping up and supporting employees when they go through difficult times.
Surviving Trauma
Matt’s skill set is grounded by twenty years of study in the field of psychology and over ten years in clinical practice. His unique approach to conceptualizing trauma is an introspective blend of academic training, clinical practice and direct experience of attending thousands of emergency calls.
The trickle down effect for first responders who manage to get help and are properly diagnosed, tend to recover faster and go on to help the organization with future claims. Matt breaks down what is working in North America and what is not when someone reaches out for help. Notice it - Name it - So we can tame it
Fire Department Chronicles
In this episode, Jason talks about the best way to treat firefighters when they are exposed to trauma and the thought process around getting help. He also talks about his personal views on what needs to change and what is already being done.
Mental health providers face an uphill battle when treating firefighters. One of the biggest challenges within the fire service when seeking help is the stigma. Firefighters do not trust that mental health providers are able to understand their problems and therefore resist going into treatment.
Firefighters like Jason Patton can speak the language and help get other firefighters into treatment by explaining the process and reducing the anxiety around the unknown. Having someone who has been there, telling you what to expect, is very powerful and extremely helpful for that person to take the first step.
www.banyantreatmentcenter.com
The Spiritual Way
The question that everyone needs to ask themselves, why am I here, what it my purpose.
In this episode Dr. Chuck challenges us on our spiritual philosophy. Special guest Brad Newell.
Addiction - A Mother's Story by June Ariano-Jakes
Equine Therapy (Part one) - The FEEL Approach
Speaking with Brenda Brown, the owner of Mystic Waters Ranch. The horses on her ranch help to reveal your true authentic self, and help you FEEL the positive emotions we naturally desire as human beings. FEEL stands for - Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning Approach. This experience will facilitate the reconnection of your heart and soul-inspiring healing and growth. Used to help people struggling with PTS, Anxiety and Depression.
Brenda Brown - 604-788-7524 / brenda@mysticwatersranch.com / 3438 205 St., Langley, BC V2Z 2C9Equine Therapy - Saddles in Service (Part Two)
Tammy and Mike Oluvic have donated their time and their ranch in San Diego to provide mental health wellness and healing for Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, and their families that are experiencing or have been diagnosed with symptoms related to post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, depression, job-related stress, and/or traumatic brain injuries by partnering them with a rescued horse at no cost to them.
Saddles In Service PO Box 692 Descanso, CA 91916 / 619 566-6208 / contact@saddlesinservice.org
The Now
It’s a war they’ve trained for, and they’re answering every call – from working overtime to following strict PPE, infection control and documentation guidelines.
Despite their training and new protocols, there are always high levels of stress and uncertainty in any major incident but that stress during this pandemic is taking its toll on all frontline workers. EMTs and paramedics and Firefighters must recognize and have to accept that they will likely encounter increased levels of stress as this pandemic evolves.
What is the cost to them, their families and their future as first responders?
The Fire Service - your not alone!
Steve will share his personal story and the work he is doing to change the culture in Fire and Protective Services departments across North America
The Resilient One
This Firefighter feels he has something special and Dr. Chuck talks about dealing with exposure and how significant adversity is effectively dealt with if the patient is able to wrap their head around what they were exposed to. The resilience of a person is both the capacity of an individual to navigate their way to the psychological, spiritual and physical resources that will help them sustain their well-being.
The Downtown Eastside
Even though he battles depression himself, he loves what he does and feels like he is contributing to society by helping others.
Canada is supposed to be a civilized country and an extremely wealthy country. But there are thousands of stories from people who have lost their way and have ended up homeless in Vancouver.
85 percent of people on the street have mental health issues, and drugs and alcohol complicate the situation.
Research shows that you need to start with a roof over your head and have support before you can even begin to address the other issues.
Dedicated first responders and support workers are the foot soldiers, savings dozens of lives each and every day on the eastside of Vancouver, and they never stop, working 24/7.
Demystifying Mental Health in the Fire Service
The Burden of Abuse - Listener discretion is advised
June Ariano-Jakes is one of the top High School speakers in the country, empowering kids to reach out for help and to let them know they are not alone. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, June shares her own personal story as she explains how keeping trauma bottled up can lead to extremely difficult and painful emotions. Every survivor responds to traumatic events in their own way. The effects of the trauma can last long after the event. June explains how reaching out for help can be terrifying but she explains the importance of doing so, and how she herself has recovered from trauma, and has now been able to help others. (Listener discretion is advised)
Mindset Shift
Covid and isolation, working from home, maybe loss of income and then add in a bit of fear, it's triggering a whole bunch of new mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people in this pandemic are facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety, our guest Sara Wegwitz is a resiliency team coach who works with organizations on overall health and mental wellbeing. She provides strategies that can help people refocus and maintaining perspective in the bigger picture.
If you are interested in learning more, you can reach Sara Wegwitz at Sara@tailormakinghealth.ca
Wounded Heroes Podcast
The Sunday Night Health Show with Maureen McGrath and Steve Serbic
Enough of the macho bullshit
Throughout his NHL career, he battled addiction and demons from his past while also excelling at the highest level as a professional athlete in one of North America’s most competitive and physically demanding leagues.
A key component to healing from trauma and building trust is vulnerability. Sharing struggles and personal difficulties with family and friends helps give understanding to the struggle someone is going through, it’s a very simple and powerful practice.
Building resiliency in your fire department
Sara brings over 20 years of experience and education in the fields of critical care, health sciences, program development, facilitation, leadership, and coaching. Since September 2011 her company Tailor Making Health has been offering reputable programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations and groups. These dynamic programs consistently deliver results. Some of these results include a 40% reduction in sick and overtime costs; a consistent 3:1 ROI on health and wellness programming; gold medals at athletic World Championships; building more resilient and resourceful people; and enhancing workplace cultures.
She has a demonstrated and proven track record working with first responders (police and fire), branches of the federal and provincial government, athletes and athletic teams, corporations and non-profit organization
To contact Sara - email her at sara@tailormakinghealth.ca
The other side; a journey to Hell and back
One man who is not afraid to speak about his past and tell his story to anyone who will listen. A dark and ugly, yet inspiring journey that takes this man around the globe, helping High School students make better decisions and first responders understand Post Traumatic Stress. This is his mission and this is his story.
Listener discretion is advised- graphic content