Sometimes the ones we love the most are carrying silent battles we can’t see. For years, she watched her husband return from shifts—tired, quiet, guarded. She thought he was just being strong, holding it together, until one night she finally saw the weight he was shouldering alone.
In that moment, the silence broke, and she realized that behind every ‘I’m fine’ was a story he’d been too afraid to tell. It was an epiphany that changed everything—a reminder that even the strongest hearts need someone to truly see them.
If you love someone who’s always ‘strong,’ remember: strength doesn’t mean they don’t need support. Sometimes, it’s the quietest ones who need us the most.
#SilentStruggles #FirstResponderFamily #BehindTheBadge #LoveAndSupport #MentalHealthMatters #morethantheuniform #firstresponderwife #firefighterwife
NEW EPISODE!
https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/burning-from-within/
In this episode of After the Tones Drop, we share the powerful story of Chris, a deputy chief with over 30 years in the fire service, and his wife Tara, an educator with a 25-year career. Their journey has been marked by the challenges of a demanding career, mental health struggles, and the strength needed to maintain their marriage and family. Chris’s mental health struggles peaked in 2021 when he found himself on the brink of suicide. An unexpected comment from Tara and an intervention by their son and a park ranger saved his life, leading Chris to begin a journey of recovery and a mission to help other first responders avoid the same darkness. Tara shares her perspective as the supportive spouse, recognizing the signs of distress and standing by Chris through every step of his recovery.
#firstresponder #firstresponderspouse #family #ptsdrecovery #healing #firefighter #firewife #firefighterwife #courage
Alright, here’s the deal: foreboding joy. Yeah, that feeling that when life actually throws you a bone, you brace for it to snap back in your face. First responders know this feeling way too well—good moments feel like ticking time bombs. You’re out there saving lives, but when it comes to enjoying your own? Bam! Your brain says, ‘Better not get too comfy, pal.’ It’s called cognitive distortion, and it’s not doing anyone any favors. Let’s start claiming those wins and ditch the mental booby traps. Real bravery? Letting yourself actually enjoy the damn joy.
#forebodingjoy #firstresponder #brain #joy #mentalhealth #resilience #growthmindset
I know that things can feel discouraging when we continue to see numbers rise of folks who have given up hope. But…here’s the thing, what we don’t see are the numbers of those who have found hope again. They’re out there and the numbers are much higher than we can see with our naked eye. Don’t give up…keep going!
#hope #itsworking #keepmoving #keepgoing #stigmafighter #mentalhealthawareness #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstresponders
In the first responder world, you call it preparedness – because being ready for the worst can save lives. But bring that mindset home, and suddenly, it’s experienced as catastrophizing.
That “just in case” mentality? It’s your superpower on the job, but off-duty, it hits differently. Friends and loved ones call it an overreaction, watching us plan for anything from an earthquake to, yep, even an avalanche… in Ohio.
When every “snowflake” feels like a warning and every situation has a worst-case scenario, your “preparedness” can feel intense because your loved ones don’t understand. But it’s hard to turn off the mental checklist, even when the job ends for the day.
#firstresponder #catastrophe #overreacting #survival #mentalhealth #firstresponderfamily #preparation
NEW EPISODE!!
https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/myths-that-wont-die-two-years-later-and-still-busting-therapy-myths/
Erin and Cinnamon break down the role of therapists and clear up misconceptions about what therapists actually do. Forget what you’ve seen on TV—therapists aren’t sitting there with a notebook, silently judging or diagnosing everyone. They’re there to support you, guide you, and help you find real solutions without judgment. And just like any other relationship, finding the right therapist might take some time. Erin and Cinnamon encourage listeners to “shop around” until they find a good fit, reminding us that therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s more like dating—you might have to meet a few therapists before finding the one that clicks.
#therapy #myth #stigma #mentalhealth #healing #askforhelp #therapymyths #firstresponders #afterthetonesdrop
Childhood adversity plays a much bigger impact on first responders than one may think. Those effects rear their ugly head when we least expect it. This clip features @sergeant_michael_sugrue_ touching on how the effects of childhood trauma appeared that much greater in the admin betrayal he experienced. Shout out to @brothers_helping_brothers for providing the space for this message to be experienced.
#childhoodtrauma #childhoodadversity #aces #workstress #betrayal #overcome #ptsd #ptsi #posttraumaticgrowth #firstresponders #relentlesscourage #afterthetonesdrop
Meet Monica Crawford, our latest Stigma Fighter on After the Tones Drop! 🚨👩⚕️ Monica is diving into the gut-brain connection, breaking down how your gut health can impact stress, mood, and mental clarity. For first responders, it’s crucial—what you eat affects how you think, act, and recover. Ready to learn how to fuel your mind and body the right way? Tune in for practical tips and real talk. 💪🔥 #StigmaFighter #GutBrainConnection #AfterTheTonesDrop #FirstResponderHealth #mentalhealthmatters
NEW EPISODE!
https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/pound-for-pound-with-monica-crawford/
Erin and Cinnamon sit down with Monica Crawford, the brains (and brawn) behind Five-O, Fierce, and Fit, an online fitness and nutrition coaching biz that’s all about getting female first responders strong, healthy, and thriving. Monica’s been through the ringer herself—working in a toxic police department that was tanking her mental and physical health—so she knows a thing or two about what it takes to pull yourself out of the gutter and level up.
#firstresponderwellness #firstresponderfitness #lawenforcement #toxicworkplace #overcome #posttraumaticgrowth #afterthetonesdrop
It’s been over a year since we had @sergeant_michael_sugrue_ on the show and tonight we finally got to meet him in person. We can’t wait to hear him speak at the Firefighter Health and Wellness Conference! Have you read his book @relentless_courage_ ? If you haven’t, you must!
#ptsdrecovery #posttraumaticgrowth #firstrespondermentalhealth #possibilities #stigmafighter #afterthetonesdrop
