We believe that compassion is a human right and that some first responders may have lost their ability to feel. These first responders deserve to have that compassion returned to them. They deserve all of our support and kindness as they work one of the most challenging jobs in the world.

     Brave Mind believes that we as a whole have not been held accountable for the struggles of first responders. We appreciate that those on the front line of our safety and survival experience trauma every day that may affect them for the rest of their lives. Many first responders will benefit from group counseling led by a professional in their community. We believe in a holistic approach that benefits the responder's family, loved ones, and work environment. We acknowledge that due to the nature of working in a traumatic environment, many first responders may feel trapped in the job and feel unable to leave. Those responders deserve to feel safe and supported as they work to move forward in their lives and, for some, their careers.

A group-based counseling approach has been proven to help many people, and due to the first responder community's emphasis on peer-based treatment, it can be incredibly effective. A trained professional must facilitate this treatment, provide evidence-based practice for the group to follow, and create an environment where healing can begin through compassion and kindness. These factors are essential. There is no evidence that peer-based treatment is effective without professional guidance.

As a therapist in training, as well as a former first responder, I recognize the similarities in that both professions are exposed to vicarious trauma. In my training as a therapist, I have received exhaustive information on how to keep my mental health secure while conducting my work. I received no training whatsoever in how to deal with the traumatic environment that was my office as a paramedic. First Responders deserve the same information I received in my training and a plan as we move forward to support them as they work.

Brave Mind believes that the power of exposure to mental health treatment is essential to combat the stigma that surrounds mental health in the community. Each responder should have a minimum of 24 hours of group and individual treatment each year, with a commitment from the responder's employer in good faith that the responder will arrive on time for their appointments. This would allow the responder to attend group and individual treatment regularly, which has been proven to decrease depression and anxiety, as well as ease PTSD symptoms.