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
From Survival to Strength: Building Resilience Amid Trauma
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.
In this transformative episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the essence of resilience and how it goes beyond mere endurance. Join us as we exp…
Taming the Storm: Emotional Regulation for First Responders
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Today we dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional regulation for first responders, exploring how it plays a vital role in resilience. Join us a…
"Self-Compassion in Service: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others"
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In this insightful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the vital role self-compassion plays in high-stress professions…
"Beyond the Call: Integrating Mindfulness into Life Off-Duty"
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we dive into the importance of integrating mindfulness into life off-duty. First resp…
"Mindfulness in Crisis Response: Staying Calm Under Pressure"
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In this episode of "Shields Down: Healing for First Responders," we delve into the crucial role of mindfulness in building long-term resilience. Joi…
Mindful Response: Navigating Stress for First Responders
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In this episode of Shields Down Healing for First Responders, we delve into the power of mindfulness in managing stress and enhancing resilience. Jo…
How can you maintain a positive mindset during a challenging shift.
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In this episode of "Shields Down: Healing for First Responders," we dive into practical strategies for maintaining a positive mindset during the mos…
"Embracing Failure: Turning Setbacks into Success for First Responders"
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we delve into the transformative power of embracing failure and turning setbacks into…
Mindset Makeover: Transforming personal growth for First Responders
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the powerful concept of mindset and how it can shape your personal and pro…
Shaping Resilience: the role of environment in law enforcement mindset
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In this episode, we dive into how the work environment shapes the mental health and resilience of law enforcement professionals. From high-stress si…
Unlocking Resilience: Cultivating a growth mindset for first responders
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, titled "Unlocking Resilience: Cultivating a Growth Mindset for First Responders," we …
Mastering Mindset Shifts, Building Resilience, and Embracing Change as a First Responder
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In this episode, we explore the mental frameworks and strategies that can help first responders thrive amidst the intense pressures of their daily l…
Thriving on the job: Overcoming challenges in the line of duty
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Welcome to this episode of "Shields Down: Healing for First Responders," where we dive into essential strategies for maintaining mental well-being a…
Navigating the Aftermath: Life beyond the call of duty
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In this powerful episode of *Shields Down: Healing for First Responders*, we explore the emotional and psychological challenges that first responder…
From Surviving to Thriving: Strategies for Emotional Resilience for First Responders
I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.
In this impactful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we delve into the transformative journey from surviving to thriving with PT…
Breaking the Stigma: Opening up about mental health
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In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we delve into the crucial topic of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health with…
The Silent Battle: Understanding PTSD in First Responders
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In this compelling episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we delve into "The Silent Battle" – a deep exploration of PTSD and its imp…