Written by: Deanna Radulescu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
First responders, including police officers and firefighters, play a crucial role in society by putting their lives on the line to keep others safe. However, their demanding and often traumatic work takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. This featured interview on Label-Free Podcast with Joel Evans highlights the need for emotional support for first responders, shedding light on the unique challenges they face and the impact it has on their personal lives.
One of the main points made in this interview with former San Francisco Police Officer Joel Evan, is the emotional detachment that first responders develop as a coping mechanism. Joel, a former police officer himself, acknowledges that detaching emotionally from scenes is necessary to survive in their line of work. However, this emotional detachment can spill over into their personal lives, leading to strained relationships and difficulties in expressing and processing emotions. Joel emphasizes the importance of addressing this emotional detachment and providing support to first responders.
The divorce rate among first responders is significantly higher than the general population, indicating that the stress and emotional toll of their work affects their personal lives. Joel shares his own experience of turmoil in his marriage and expresses regret for not addressing these issues earlier. He recognizes that many first responder men are likely dealing with similar challenges and aims to save them from the grief he had to endure.
Another issue highlighted in the interview is the burden of decision-making that first responders carry. Throughout their workday, they are constantly making decisions and solving problems for others. When they come home, they often prefer to relinquish decision-making to their partners, leading to a lack of assertiveness and detachment. Joel acknowledges that this behavior is a turnoff for their partners and emphasizes the importance of first responders taking charge and making decisions in their personal lives as well.
Joel also touches on the conflict-avoidance tendencies of first responders. Due to the high levels of conflict they encounter on the job, they often seek to avoid conflict in their personal lives. This can lead to difficulties in addressing and resolving issues within relationships. Joel suggests that partners of first responders need to be understanding and patient, allowing their significant other to relax and decompress after a long and challenging day.
In conclusion, Joel highlights the need for emotional support for first responders. The stress, trauma, and emotional detachment that come with their work can have a significant impact on their personal lives. It is crucial that first responders have access to resources and support systems that help them address and process their emotions.
By providing emotional support, we can help first responders navigate the challenges they face and ultimately lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. That’s why Joel has created a safe place for these first responders, First Responder Fathers to help support them to become Elite Dads. To connect with Joel, head to the links below:
Deanna Radulescu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Born and raised in Chicagoland, Deanna Radulescu is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in Business and Accounting. As the former VP of Key Accounts & Business Operations for a $20 million transmission remanufacturing facility, Deanna navigated complex contracts, doubling business size and earning stellar recommendations from major clients. After a life-changing event, Deanna pursued her passion for fashion, founding Deanna Marie Label and successfully launching three collections, including a Kickstarter campaign raising over $5k. A skincare line and a charity event against Human Trafficking rounded out her fashion journey. In 2019, Deanna ventured into podcasting with Label Free.
