LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Dr. Blake Jones, a therapist in Midway, has focused his attention on the mental well-being of first responders. He said first responders encounter an extreme number of traumatic experiences compared to civilians.
Jones is a licensed clinical social worker. At times, he takes his therapy work on the road, checking in on the well-being of first responders like those who work in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
He said the average person may see two to four traumatic events in life. That number is much higher for first responders.
“The average first responder sees hundreds and hundreds well over 400 traumatic events in their career,” Jones said.
Coping with trauma
Jones said sometimes those traumatic experiences turn into vices.
“And so often they turn to things like alcohol or working too much to relieve some of that stress,” Jones said.
He said 911 dispatchers who do not know the end result of a call may need mental help. He gave an example of a firefighter who responded to a call.
“He tried to save a baby from a burning building and he couldn’t and he’s terrible traumatized by that,” Jones said.
Jones has completed 40 ride-alongs to get to know some of the first responders around central Kentucky.
“These wellness visits are very holistic I talk with them about sleep finances relationships certainly mental health stress all of that but it’s sort of like getting annual physical for your brain,” Jones said.
Jones’ advice for first responders is to have a life outside of work.
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