Mindfulness for First Responders and Others Dealing with Trauma
(Written by Fred Fuges, FEI Account Manager)
First responders, crisis managers and others confronted with the chaos of traumatic situations can sometimes feel overwhelmed despite prior training. Those involved in traumatic events are often faced with immediate decision-making and the need to expect the unexpected.
Mindfulness—sustained awareness of moment-to-moment experiences—is a practice research has shown can focus an individual’s attention on immediate tasks, an invaluable resource during the middle of an active crisis.
How is Moving like a Crisis?
(Written by Ted Uczen, FEI President & CEO)
FEI recently moved offices to downtown Milwaukee, Wis., prompting FEI President & CEO Ted Uczen to contemplate the similarities between developing a good move plan and having a good crisis plan in place.
Relocating an entire business involves careful consideration and planning so that operations can continue with little to no disruption. Similarly, a carefully considered crisis plan is paramount to the operational resiliency of an organization—don’t wait until the last minute.
Too Scared to Seek Help: Stigma and Mental Health
(Written by Daniel J. Potterton, FEI Chief Operating Officer)
Stigma against mental health challenges is a very real cultural ill, and you don't have to look far to find victims of stigma too afraid to discuss their struggles with mental health. I’ve witnessed the effects of this stigma in both the working world and public life and know it is time for the culture to change.
Millions of Americans live their lives with a mental health challenge. Join me in openly addressing—and encouraging the inclusion of—individuals with these challenges in a compassionate, understanding way. We might just save someone’s life.
This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Crises, Trauma and the Importance of Connection
(Written by Terri Howard, FEI Senior Director)
Crisis events can have a traumatic impact on people, and how one reacts to these events informs his or her ability to remain resilient. Seeking opportunities for support, understanding and expression goes a long way to maintaining resilience and relies on a central concept: the importance of a network of connection for healing.
This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Using Outside Partnerships to Offset the Effects of Trauma
(Written by Michael Bugenhagen, FEI Business Development Manager)
Organizations sometimes rely on groups of volunteers or customer service departments to answer calls from upset and traumatized callers during crisis events. This can bring varying levels of secondary trauma exposure to those receiving calls, and employers need to consider the advantages of outside partnership and the importance of training both volunteers and employees to be psychologically resilient when responding during crises.
This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.