Coping Mechanisms
What is a coping mechanism?
A coping mechanism is a strategy or technique an individual uses to manage stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.
Who can experience mental health issues?
Anyone
Kate refuses to go to her church after helping with a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident. Kate feels like it is best to never go there again, although she is an involved member of the church. What type of PTSD symptom is this?
Avoidance
What coping mechanism involves mental and physical strategies that help redirect attention to the present moment, often engaging the senses?
Grounding techniques
Randy drives by a park. He has a flashback of when a child went into anaphylactic shock there from a bee sting. What type of trigger is this?
Place
Jessie gets memories of a difficult cardiac arrest call every night when he goes to sleep. It has caused him to get little to no sleep and he hates going to bed now. What type of PTSD symptom is this?
Intrusive memories/nightmares
What coping mechanism involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment?
Mindfulness
Mary is upset over having a difficult day. She feels that nothing has gone right. Mary begins to think about all of the times she has made mistakes on calls. What type of trigger is this?
Emotional
How many times are you more likely to experience PTSD than the general population as a firefighter or paramedic?
Almost 3 times more likely
What are behaviors used to deal with difficult emotions or situations that ultimately harm a person's well-being, though they may provide temporary relief?
Unhealthy coping mechanisms
What number can you call to connect with a person and receive resources if you are having suicidal thoughts?
988
What percentage of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for PTSD at some point during their career?
20%
What number should you call if you feel like you will harm yourself or someone else?
911
James is very upset after losing his first patient. He holds his emotions inside and wants to appear like it didn't bother him, so he won't be thought of as weak. What is James afraid of?
Stigma
Amber begins to sweat profusely and her heart rate rises while attempting to cross the street. She is reminded of the vehicle-versus-pedestrian call she ran last week. What type of PTSD symptom is this?
Changes in physical and emotional reactions