Shields Down: Healing for First Responders
Welcome to "Shields Down: Healing for First Responders," the podcast dedicated to helping first responders navigate PTSD recovery, stress management, and emotional resilience. Hosted by Adam Henson, this series dives deep into the mental health challenges faced by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers, providing expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies for healing.
Each episode may feature mental health professionals, trauma specialists, and first responders who have walked the path of PTSD recovery, sharing actionable tools for managing stress, anxiety, trauma, and burnout. From coping with critical incidents to building emotional strength and peer support, we cover what it takes to reclaim your mental well-being while continuing to serve.
🔹 Topics We Cover:
✔️ PTSD and trauma recovery in first responders
✔️ Mental health strategies for police, firefighters, paramedics & COs
✔️ Coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and burnout
✔️ How to build resilience and emotional armor
✔️ Navigating family life and relationships with PTSD
✔️ The role of peer support and professional help
✔️ Overcoming the stigma of mental health in first responder culture
✔️ Work-life balance strategies for high-stress careers
✔️ Mindfulness, self-care, and stress reduction techniques
✔️ Real stories of hope, strength, and post-traumatic growth
✔ Plus more...
Join us as we break the silence around PTSD and mental health in first responders. Whether you're struggling, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to strengthen your mental fitness, "Shields Down" is your safe space for guidance, connection, and healing.
🎙️ Subscribe now and take the first step toward recovery—because lowering your shield is the first step to reclaiming your strength. Your well-being matters, and your journey isn’t over.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 18 minutes
- Episodes
- 37
- Years Active
- 2025
"Back to Base: Reintegrating After Critical Incidents"
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.
In this episode of Shields Down, we tackle one of the biggest challenges first responders face: reintegrating into daily life after a critical incid…
"The Courage to Heal: Approaches to Overcoming Emotional Injuries"
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In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the emotional trauma first responders face—the unseen injuries that linger long after th…
Shielding the Mind: Strategies for Mental Wellness for first responders
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In this episode of Shields Down, we explore proven mental health strategies for first responders navigating high-pressure, trauma-filled environment…
"Echoes of the Call: Understanding and Managing Trauma in First Responders"
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First responders operate in high-stress environments, witnessing traumatic events that can accumulate over time, leading to emotional exhaustion and…
"The Resilient Badge: Harnessing Strength in Times of Crisis"
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In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we take a deep dive into resilience training for first responders with PTSD, providing actionable strategi…
"From the Frontlines to Inner Peace: Navigating Mental Health in Emergency Services"
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Are you a first responder struggling with the relentless stress and trauma of emergency service work? Do you find yourself battling PTSD, emotional …
"Keep Battling: the fight isn't over"
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In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we delve into the often misunderstood nature of healing from trauma and PTSD. We explore the idea that hea…
"Ending your shift: Leave your past behind"
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In this episode of Shields Down, we explore the vital role of post-shift rituals for first responders, offering practical tips and mental health str…
Solid Foundation: Growing from the ground up
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In this episode we dive into the crucial elements of building a solid mental and emotional foundation for first responders. Just like any physical s…
Daily Reflection and Growth: Journaling as a Tool for PTSD Recovery
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In this episode we explore the transformative power of journaling for first responders navigating PTSD recovery. Journaling serves as a sanctuary wh…
The Power of Positive Psychology: Using Strengths and Values to Navigate PTSD
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In this enlightening episode of "Shields Down ," we delve into the transformative impact of positive psychology on PTSD recovery for first responder…
Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing Self-awareness and Regulation for PTSD Recovery
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In this compelling episode of Shields Down, we explore the vital role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the journey of PTSD recovery for first respo…
Daily Habits for Resilience: Building a Routine that Supports PTSD Recovery
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In this episode of The Shields Down Podcast, we uncover the power of daily habits in fostering mental resilience, emotional stability, and PTSD reco…
The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth: Understanding and Embracing the Journey
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In this enlightening episode of the Shields Down, we explore the transformative concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and its profound impact on fi…
The Path to Thriving: How First Responders Can Live Fully Beyond Trauma
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In this empowering episode of Shields Down, we delve deep into the journey of first responders as they navigate life beyond trauma. Titled "The Path…
Behind the Badge: Understanding the Hidden Costs of Unresolved Trauma
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In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we take a deep dive into the silent battles that first responders face every day. While they are celebrate…
Navigating the Dark Days: How to Stay Grounded When Trauma Strikes
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In this powerful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we dive deep into trauma recovery strategies for first responders, offering …
The Power of Self-Awareness: Emotional Intelligence in High-Stress Situations
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the critical role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in navigati…
Breaking the Cycle: Identifying and Managing Emotional Triggers
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In this episode, we dive deep into how to manage emotional triggers effectively by understanding their impact and learning practical strategies to r…
Behind the Badge: A Wife's Journey Through Love, Sacrifice, and Resilience
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Behind the Badge: A Wife’s Journey Through Love, Sacrifice, and Resilience
What happens to the people standing beside the badge—the ones who love, su…