Read, Listen, Watch, or Participate

• Breast Cancer

• Screening, Risk, Symptoms, etc

• How to Support a Spouse or Partner Who Has Breast Cancer

• Talking with Children About Cancer 

• Discussing Cancer Diagnosis with Children

• The Way We Talk and the Way We Listen Changes Everything 

• Cognitive Distortions *new*

• Four Types of Communication Styles *new*

• Dementia - Key Facts from the World Health Organization 

• What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis

• An Overview Of Dementia

• Psychology Today - find a therapist, treatment centers, psychiatrists, and support groups

• Mental Health Information 

• Mental Health Brochures and Fact Sheets 

• "I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping, and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One (A Compassionate Grief Recovery Book)" by Pamela Blair

• This book offers a comforting hand to help guide you through the grieving process, from the first few weeks to the longer-term emotional and physical effects. It then reveals some of the myths of the grieving process and what really happens as you navigate through the pain. Topics include: Grieving the loss of a child, partner, parent, sibling, friend, or pet; The physical and emotional effects of grief; Navigating difficult days such as holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays; Helping children cope with grief; Understanding the grief recovery process

• Postpartum Depression 

• Tips For Postpartum Dads And Partners 

• Dads Develop Postpartum Depression, Too, And It Can Impact Their Child's Mental Health 

• Postpartum Depression Symptoms 

    *Infertility*

• Infertility - Key facts about infertility from the World Health Organization 

• What is infertility? - Frequently Asked Questions: CDC Reproductive Health

• Female Infertility; Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors And Prevention

• Male Infertility; Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatments

    *Miscarriage*

• Understanding Types Of Miscarriage's

• What is a miscarriage? Frequently Asked Questions

    *Stillbirth*

• What Is Stillbirth? Who Is At Risk?  

• Key Points About Stillbirth

• "Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage" by Anne and Mike Gagliano

• Written by a Firefighter Captain and his wife - this book addresses the following: "Aspects of this occupation that differentiate it from any other and how these impact marriage; Essential conversations every firefighter couple should have; The reality of sleep disruption and how to minimize its impact; The importance of healthy intimacy in your relationship; Why finances can be such a problem and ways to make it a solution; Advice on how to deal with time off, kids, firefighter health, and so much more"

• "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert"  by Dr. John Gottman

• Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. 

• "I Love a Firefighter: What the Family Needs to Know" by Ellen Kirschman

• With this practical, no-nonsense, yet compassionate guide, Dr. Ellen Kirschman provides the first self-help book written to address the questions and concerns of today's fire fighter families. From the effects of shift work on your marriage, to the emotional side of physical injuries and trauma, to ways to deal with job pressures and resolve conflicts at home, read on to see what you can do to help yourself, your mate, and your children navigate the highs and lows of "the best job in the world." 

• "After the Affair, 3rd edition: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful" by Dr. Janis A. Spring

• This book helps guide both hurt and unfaithful partners through three stages of healing: normalizing the crisis, deciding whether to recommit to their partner, and rekindling trust and sexual intimacy. It includes a new section in which patients ask questions not addressed in previous editions, and the author provides concrete strategies for earning trust and forgiveness. 

• "Fully Involved: A Guide For Being In A Relationship With A Firefighter" by Dr. Mynda Ohs

• Being in a relationship with a firefighter is a journey of unique challenges. The commitment and bravery that define their professional lives often spill into their personal relationships, creating bonds forged in the fires of duty and devotion. This book delves into the intricacies of loving someone who faces danger daily, offering insights, strategies, and stories to help you navigate this extraordinary partnership.

• "Fully Involved" by Erin Dutton

• When lives are changed by dedication to saving others, it's a testament to the strength and courage of those who face danger head on and a celebration of the bonds that form when there is a shared passion.  

• A Couple's Guide for a Lifetime of Love (The Dr. Sue Johnson Collection, 4)

• I Want This to Work: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating the Most Difficult Relationship Issues We Face in the Modern Age 

• Article with a list of books 

• Envisioning A Happy, Hopeful Retirement For Firefighters 

• Retiring From Public Safety: The Big Breakup 

• "When The Calls Stop: Retiring As A First Responder" by Dr. Mynda Ohs

• Ever wondered what life would look like after retirement. Dr. Mynda is a respected crisis therapist who has counseled first responders on the scene at catastrophic events, individuals managing PTSD, and couples dealing with issues specific to the stresses of all first responder careers and relationships. Her experience is personal as well as professional: she has also been married to a former California firefighter and battalion chief for more than two decades, and is the mother of a firefighter and a juvenile corrections officer. Everyone faces certain challenges in retirement—boredom, isolation, financial worries, the feeling that their life is no longer impactful—but for first responders, retiring is, in almost all ways, more challenging than it is for civilians. This book can give you many answers to your questions about retiring as a first responder.

• ICISF Taking Care of You 

• Sleep and Mental Health (Harvard)

• How Mental Health and Sleep Are Related - Overview (Sleep Foundation)

• Sleep Hygiene: What is it? What are signs of poor sleep hygiene? How do I improve my sleep hygiene? (Sleep Foundation) 

• How to Determine Poor Sleep Quality, Reasons for Poor Sleep, and How to Improve Sleep Quality (Sleep Foundation)

• 10 Tools To Help You Feel Stronger and More Hopeful (Mental Health America)

• Coping with Traumatic Events (NIMH)

• Chronic Stress and Recommendations (Yale Medicine)

• Body and Stress (stress.org)

• It's Not Just You: Burnout and Stress In the Practitioner Community (wildland fire lessons)

• Explore on your own: Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Blog

• How to Recover from Burnout (Psychology Today)

• 10 Tips for Dealing with the Stress of Uncertainty (APA)

• Stress Effects on the Body (APA)

• COVID-19 Stress Management Tools (APA)

• How to Cope with Traumatic Stress (APA)

• How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Stress (APA)

• "The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems" by Dr. Ronald D. Siegel

  • "Mindfulness offers a path to well-being and tools for coping with life's inevitable hurdles. And though mindfulness may sound exotic, you can cultivate it--and reap its proven benefits--without special training or lots of spare time. Trusted therapist and mindfulness expert Dr. Ronald Siegel shows exactly how in this inviting guide. You'll get effective strategies to use while driving to work, walking the dog, or washing the dishes, plus tips on creating a formal practice routine in as little as 20 minutes a day. Flexible, step-by-step action plans will help you become more focused and efficient in daily life; cope with difficult feelings, such as anger and sadness; deepen your connection to your spouse or partner; feel more rested and less stressed; curb unhealthy habits; find relief from anxiety and depression; and resolve stress-related pain, insomnia, and other physical problems. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website: www.mindfulness-solution.com. Start living a more balanced life--today."

  • "Minding the Body, Mending the Mind" by Dr. Joan Borysenko

    • This book includes tips on how to elicit the mind's powerful relaxation response to boost your immune system, cope with chronic pain, and alleviate symptoms of a host of stress-related illnesses, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in taking an active role in their own healing. 

• "Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times" by Hersch Wilson

  • “Be brave. Be kind. Fight fires.” That’s the motto of firefighters, like Hersch Wilson, who spend their lives walking toward, rather than away from, danger and suffering. As in Zen practice, firefighters are trained to be fully in the moment and present to each heartbeat, each life at hand. In this unique collection of true stories and practical wisdom, Wilson shares the Zen-like techniques that allow people like him to stay grounded while navigating danger, comforting others, and coping with their personal response to each crisis. Every life contains the unexpected and the unwelcome. How you cope with those inevitable events, more than the events themselves, defines the quality of your life. Firefighter Zen is an invaluable guide to meeting every day with your best calm, resilient, and optimistic self.

  • "Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma" by Dr. Shauna 'Doc' Springer

  • In the heart of every first responder lies a wellspring of relentless courage, a quality that is tested and refined through countless battles against the fiercest adversaries. This book is a tribute to that indomitable spirit, a deep dive into the lives of those who stand on the frontlines, facing not only the physical aspect of the job but also the unseen scars of frontline trauma. Beyond the heroism that the public sees, there are silent battles fought within the mental and emotional struggles that come with witnessing and enduring extraordinary events.

• Study Examines Higher Suicide Rates Among First Responders (fema.gov) 

• Police, Firefighters Die by Suicide More Often Than in Line of Duty; Why Rates Remain High - Firefighter Nation: Fire Rescue - Firefighting News and Community

• Death by Suicide—The EMS Profession Compared to the General Public: Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol 23, No 3 (tandfonline.com) 

• About Tinnitus | American Tinnitus Association 

• Awareness – Tinnitus Hub 

• What Is Tinnitus? Causes of Tinnitus, Things You Can Try To Help Cope With Tinnitus, And Treatments 

• Strength In Numbers: Communities For Tinnitus Support

• Supporting a Partner With Breast Cancer 

• All Clear Foundation

• Fire Fighter Deconstructed

• Fireline

• 1st Responder Conferences

• Responder Resilience

• Fireline episode 5: Burnout

• The Fire Inside - Peer Support for the First Responder Community

• After the Fire: A Firefighter Line of Duty Death Podcast

• Battalion Chief Speaks on True Leadership and the Power of Vulnerability and Peer Support

• Volunteer Firefighters and Mental Health

• Fire Captain Gets Real About Suicide and First Responders

• Firefighter Talks About Burnout and Human Performance - *newly added

• Firefighter Well-Being and Everything Beneath the Helmet - *newly added

• Podcasts — Dr. Cassidy Freitas LMFT (drcassidymft.com) 

• Podcasts - Honest conversations about modern motherhood - Motherly 

• Tinnitus Talk Podcast 

• Conversations In Tinnitus Podcasts

• 10 Red Flags of Abuse (5 minutes) - not an all inclusive list; there are other signs but these are some common ones

• 7 Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse (5 minutes)

• 6 Signs of People Who Have Been Abused (7 minutes)

• TEDTalk: Why domestic violence victims don't leave - Leslie Morgan Steiner shares her story (16 minutes)

• TEDx: Violence Against Women - It's a Men's Issue - Dr. Jackson Katz (20 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: Failing at Normal: An ADHD Success Story - Jessica McCabe (17 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: Making ADHD Your Superpower - George Cicci (12 minutes)

• How to ADHD: The Channel Trailer (youtube.com) - (2 minutes)

• 6 Weird Things Anxiety Causes You To Do (7 minutes)

• 10 Signs of Hidden Anxiety - refers to symptoms of anxiety that are often overlooked (5 minutes)

• How to Best Support a Loved One With Breast Cancer (12 minutes)

• How to Talk to Your Partner About Breast Cancer (13 minutes) 

Discussing Cancer Diagnosis with Children

• 3 Ways to Provide Support Through a Parent’s Cancer Journey (55 minutes)

• Talking with Children about a Parent's Cancer Diagnosis (24 minutes)

• Telling Children About a Parent's Cancer Diagnosis  (3 minutes)

• How a firefighter lifesaving work put them at a higher risk for cancer (10 minutes)

• How to Talk to Kids About Cancer | Parents (3 minutes)

• Talking to Kids About Cancer | Kate Eshleman, PsyD (17 minutes)

• Should I Tell my Children if I have Cancer? - with Dr Tasha (5 minutes)

• Parent-Teen Communication (7 minutes) 

• Example of poor listening (2 minutes)

• What is dementia? (3 minutes)

• Therapy In A Nutshell - Taking therapy skills and psychological research and condense them down into bite-sized nuggets of help. 

• The Mindful Movement - Guided meditation, visualizations, and hypnosis as well as Yoga, Pilates and a variety of mindful movement practices to help you live mindfully, move well and feel great! 

• TEDx Talk: How to Parent a Teen From a Teen's Perspective - Lucy Androski (5 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children - Lael Stone (12 minutes)

• Suzanne and Joanne's Story (youtube.com) (4 minutes)

• The Mom Psychologist - YouTube 

• Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis: A Caregiver’s Story (3 minutes)

• Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Dementia (11 minutes) 

• What is Parkinson’s and How Does it Relate to Dementia (1 minute) 

• "SIGNS": A First Responder's Battle - Short Film (~8 minutes) - made to bring awareness to the importance of mental health in the first responder community

• Physical and Mental Health (3 minutes)

• TED-Ed: How The Food You Eat Affects Your Brain - Mia Nacamulli (5 minutes)

• Postpartum Depression is Multigenerational (3 minutes)

• Common Pregnancy Complications Explained (4 minutes)

• Postpartum Recovery | Timeframe, Physical Changes and Postpartum Depression (5 minutes)

• Learn What You Need to Know to Advocate for Your Miscarriage Care from Dr Lora Shahine (15 minutes)

• Tips to Be Ready for and Maximize Your First Appointment With A Fertility Doctor | Dr Lora Shahine (10 Minutes)

• 12 Behaviors That Destroy Relationships (11 minutes)

• Sleep and Mental Health (~3 minutes)

• A Presentation on the Relationship Between Sleep and Mental Health (1 hour)

• What Happens to Your Body and Brain if You Don't Get Sleep (5 minutes)

• Relationship Between Sleep, Mental Health, and Suicide (~3 minutes)

• TED-Ed: What would happen if you didn't sleep? - Claudia Aguirre ( ~4 minutes)

• Guided Sleep Meditation (12 minutes)

• Calm Down Anxiety for Deep Sleep (1 hour)

• Nighttime SOS: Mental Chatter Meditation for Sleep (10 minutes)

• TED-Ed: How Stress Affects Your Brain - Madhumita Murgia (4 minutes)

• TED-Ed: How Stress Affects Your Body - Sharon H. Bergquist (5 minutes)

• How Stress Affects Your Body and Mind (~3 minutes)

• What Stress Does To Your Body (It Isn't Always Bad!) (4 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: How to Deal with Difficult People - Jay Johnson (15 minutes)

• Financial Cop - consultant

If you are currently experiencing suicidal ideation contact the crisis center, the CISM hotline, or the MCFRS mental health team immediately.

• Suicide Attempt Survivors Bust Myths About Suicide: Truth or Myth (10 minutes)

• Drew Robinson: The Moment I Chose Life - MLB player's story (8 minutes)

• Comedians Tackling Depression and Anxiety Documentary (30 minutes)

• Firefighter Shares His Story on Mental Health, Alcohol Use, and Suicidal Ideation (~8 minutes)

• CBS This Morning: Suicide Attempt Survivors Offer Insight and Advice (10 minutes)

• TED Talk: The Bridge Between Suicide and Life - Sergeant Kevin Briggs shares his story (14 minutes)

• How Does Suicide and Mental Health Affect First Responders?  - Jason Patton, Firefighter shares his story (5 minutes)

• 7 Signs Your Friend Might Be Suicidal (5 minutes)

• News Story: After Husband's Suicide, Firefighter's Widow Talks Mental Health with First Responders (4 minutes)

• Treble Health - Our channel publishes videos that focus on tinnitus case studies and hearing aid reviews 

• Doctor Cliff, AuD - Sharing inside information about hearing care and hearing aids to help make you a better informed consumer 

• 5 Types of PTSD (6 minutes)

• TED-Ed: The Psychology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (5 minutes)

• TEDx: Understanding PTSD's Effects on Brain, Body, and Emotions - Dr. Janet Seahorn (16 minutes)

• First Responder PTSD - What To Look Out For and How To Get Help - Gerald Richmond, Firefighter shares his story (20 minutes)

• First Responder PTSD Awareness - Short Film; Randy Norton, retired Firefighter shares his story (~9 minutes)

• [TEDx Talk] The Effects of Suck It Up Culture (PTSD in EMT) - Anthony Guerne NY EMT shares his story (18 minutes)

• Beyond The Call - Short Documentary about PTSD and the Fire Department (7 minutes) **Warning: graphic details are discussed**

• Full version of "Beyond The Call" documentary (17 minutes) **Warning: graphic details are discussed**

• TEDx Talk: Operation PTSD: Veterans Healing Themselves Through Meditation Erik Younger (11 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: The Widespread Effects of Sexual Assault - Tilly Musser (7 minutes)

• TEDx Talk: Men Need to Talk About Their Sexual Abuse - Seth Shelley (14 minutes)

Ashes2A.R.T. will be offering fun online wellness techniques this summer every Monday and Wednesday for all responders and responder family members.  The purpose of these gatherings is to explore new containment options for stress and just bond and have fun. 

Practicing self-care helps to decrease cumulative stress, which allows us to remain "fit-for-the-fight." If you need materials, please reach out, and we will provide them to you. Also, feel free to get together with others to learn these exercises online for more fun! 

Click here to take a look at the free classes provided by Ashes2A.R.T.

• For more information contact:

Kathy Sullivan (843)737-3373, kathy@kathysullivanart.com or www.Ashes2Art.org

• Getting the Support You Need

• Support And Online Communities

• Breast Cancer Community Resources

• Firefighter Support Network (General Resources)

• Maryland - Firefighter Cancer Support Network (1:1 assistance) 

• IAFF Cancer Support 

• Maryland State Fireman Association- Cancer Support Committee

• American Cancer Society Information and Support 

• Soup delivery service - Spoonful Of Comfort

• Cancer Gift baskets - Rock The Treatment 

•  Knowledge Conquers Cancer 

• Hopewell Cancer Support 

• The Children's Treehouse Foundation

• Kesem/Children Impacted By A Parent’s Cancer 

• Alzheimer's Association 

Family Justice Center

Provide services to families impacted by domestic violence, in a family-friendly environment.

600 Jefferson Plaza Suite 500,

Rockville, MD 20852

Crisis line, 24 hour assistance – tel.: 240-777-4000

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National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Identify Abuse: understand relationship abuse; power and control; abuse and cultural context; warning signs of abuse; why people abuse

• Plan for safety: create a safety plan; supporting your children; internet safety; pet safety

• Support others: start a conversation; why people stay; ways to support; help for abusive partners

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Resources for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence National Crisis Organizations and Assistance (Extensive List)

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How Do I Get Domestic Violence (DV) Assistance?

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The Betty Ann Krahnke Center, A Domestic Violence Shelter

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Abused Persons Program (APP): No fees for emergency services; must be a victim of domestic violence who lives in Montgomery County or an offender who lives in Montgomery county

• Parkinson Foundation/Maryland Support Groups 

• Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline 

• PMD/Parkinson And Movement Disorder Alliance Support Groups 

• Resources for Caregivers/Families of People With Related Dementias 

• Parkinson Resources and Support 

• Information And Resources for Parkinson Disease 

• Help and Support Caring For Someone With Dementia 

• Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Dementia And Resources 

• Guide To Pregnancy And Infant Loss Resources In The DMV 

• Share, Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support 

IAFF

IAFF Online Recovery Meetings (substance use)

**********************

12 Step Recovery Groups

For active and retired Montgomery County firefighters only.

Every Wednesday at 8:00AM

St. Paul’s Catholic Church (church hall)

9240 Damascus Road, Damascus, MD 20872

This meeting is not affiliated with MCFRS administration or the Local 1664 in any way.

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Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

DC metro area: tel:202-966-9115 www.aa-dc.org

Meeting locations and telephone numbers throughout the State of MD:

www.step12.com/maryland.html

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AA meeting for firefighters located in Frederick: This is an open AA meeting and people other than firefighters may attend. 

Wednesdays at 7:00 AM

IAFF 3666 Union Hall

8829 Yellow Springs Rd.

Frederick, MD

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Help for family and friends of alcoholics:

www.al-anon-alateen-dcmd.org/index.php/site/meetings

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Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

DC metro area: tel:800-543-4670 www.cprna.org

For meeting locations throughout the State of Md:

tel:410-566-4022 www.freestatena.org

• Find a Support Group/American Tinnitus Association