ALUMNI STORIES.
READ THE STORIES OF ALUMNI WHO ATTENDED OUR FIVE-DAY MINDFULNESS EDUCATION PROGRAM IN BELLOWS FALLS, VERMONT.
MIKE’S STORY
Mike (firefighter/A-EMT)
”I had been a firefighter for about 20 years when I noticed some issues started to arise. I had been trained as a Peer Support and was a part of a few different teams for years and taken many classes on behavioral health specific to the fire service. I hadn’t slept well for years but didn’t think that had anything to do with the job. I started having these random bouts of difficulty breathing and I am a fairly fit individual that likes to run (crazy I know). I thought this must be anxiety but…I’ve been trained, “I can handle this”. Then I started to have small bouts of chest pain. Again “This must be anxiety but I can handle this”.
Then one day I was driving home from the firehouse when the chest pain hit me so hard I started sweating and turned around and went to the hospital. I thought that this can't be stress, “I think I am having a heart attack". They informed me of what I suspected in the back of my head, stress/anxiety and PTSD. I told my fire captain what I was going through and he looked at me and said, “What would you tell me to do, if I came to you saying that I can’t sleep, I’m having difficulty breathing and now chest pain?”. It was uncomfortable to have that put back on me, but he was right, I needed help.
I made the most difficult call of my life (but the best) to Front Line Foundations (FLF) and enrolled. After the program my sleeping got better, the bouts of difficulty breathing stopped! And the chest pain is almost non-existent. And when the chest pain does come, I can stop it very quickly with practices I learned through FLF.
At first I didn’t think I belonged in such a program but you can’t compare traumas. And like one of the staff told me, “Does everyone come into the gym in the same shape? No. But they all have one thing in common, they want to get better!” The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and can relate! I can’t suggest enough that everyone in the emergency service goes through this program. Even if you are not having any signs or symptoms. Be preventive, not reactive. This program is great for the rookies to the 30 year veterans! Thank you FLF and all of your staff, you have changed my life for the better and I am forever in your debt!
JOSH’S STORY
Josh DeForge (firefighter/paramedic)
Josh created a documentary video of his experience at FLF. As a firefighter/paramedic, he talks about some of the common roadblocks faced by veterans and first responders as they consider seeking help for post-traumatic stress, and why he ultimately decided to attend the program. Josh recorded his thoughts leading up to and during his time here with us. While in the program, he was able to connect with like-minded peers and share his experiences. He also learned new skills that help to reduce anxiety and leverage the body’s natural ability to regulate itself.
JASON’S STORY
Jason W. (police lieutenant)
”Over the past several months I have found myself seeking new ways to deal with some of the traumatic events and stress of my almost 18 years in law enforcement. To be honest, I was at a point where I was willing to try anything to be able to be safe, happy, healthy and have peace of mind. I had heard the word mindfulness tossed around a time or two and had my own preconceived notion of what this was. Lets just say that my preconceived notions were not true or accurate at all. I soon found myself listening to everything I could about mindfulness and meditation. I started doing guided meditations and began to feel, feel being the key word, a little bit better about things in life. As time progressed I learned of Front Line Foundations of North America. When I checked out their website it struck me that this wasn’t just another place looking to check a box.
Fast forward several weeks and I found myself on the door step of Front Line. For the next week I learned so much more than I thought I ever would. This was an environment where I was immediately part of the family. It was a constructive, educational program that is based around adult learning, specifically first responders and veterans. By the end of the week I felt more present and in the moment. I had another tool for my toolbox. It was now up to me to continue using these tools.
I think one of the most important things for me to understand is that there is not a one size fits all approach to improving my mental health and lowering stress levels. As life changes, so do our strategies to managing stress. I used to be a runner, two kids and a family has changed that for now. So instead of giving up, it was time to explore new areas of stress management and physical, mental well-being. Explore ALL options that are out there. After all, mindfulness is the ability to self-regulate your attention to the present moment in a curious, open, and accepting fashion.”
