Who Rescues the Rescuer?
Did you roll your eyes when you read the title? Why? So many first responders identify with being a rescuer, helper, or fixer and DO NOT want to be the ones who are rescued, helped, or fixed. Tough. I’m here to help.
Think back to what got you into the first responder profession. What’s your why? What are some of the things that make you good at your job? Now, where did those skillsets originate?
Many members of my first responder family struggle with constantly putting others first even to their own detriment. Where did you learn this? Did you need someone to rescue or help you when you were growing up? Did you learn to rescue or help yourself and therefore developed the skillset to help others? Are you constantly there for others, but neglect your own needs?
If I’ve learned anything it’s that first responders need tips and tricks for practical applications of mental health skills. So, here’s a little advice if you are neglecting yourself…
Self-care is not selfish. Want to truly help others? Put your own oxygen on first so you can be more effective at helping those around you. When you take care of your needs first you can be a more effective, productive, and aware husband/wife, father/mother, firefighter/cop/EMS, etc. Click here for more information on the different areas to work on: Self-Care Areas of Wellness
Set boundaries. Setting boundaries with others protects your own mental and emotional resources to prevent them from being depleted. This has an enormous impact on mood. Click here to learn more about the different types of boundaries and how to set them: Boundaries & How to Set Them
Check on your inner child. You just rolled your eyes again, right? If you needed someone to help/rescue/fix something for you growing up and it was never done then look in to the practice of self-parenting. Click here for a good introduction to it: How to Heal with Self-Parenting
These are some of the first steps I ask my clients to take. It can be a little intimidating to admit you have needs, to identify them, and to actively work toward meeting them. If you choose to do this you will definitely see an improvement in your mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical health. Don’t believe me? You are the only one who can make the choice and take the steps to rescue yourself. Try it.
