MHNR Network, LLC
Mental Health News Radio
First Responders: Survived
First Responders: Survived
First Responders: Survived
Wednesday 8th January 2020
Explore Doug Monda's journey through mental health struggles in law enforcement and his mission to support first responders with Survive First.
43 minutes
challenging
hopeful
informative
supportive
vulnerable
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Episode Overview
- Doug Monda shares his mental health struggles in law enforcement.
- Survive First supports first responders facing mental health challenges.
- Online therapy offers new solutions for first responder mental health.
- Suicide rates among first responders exceed those killed in duty.
- The importance of discussing mental health openly in careers.
If I just have five minutes of every cop's time, I just don't want him to have to go through what I went through.
In this compelling episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta-Walker and co-host Barry Toon welcome guest Doug Monda, founder of Survive First. Doug shares his personal journey through mental health struggles during his career in law enforcement. Retired as an undercover narcotics agent, Doug faced severe depression and suicidal ideation, which led him to realize the lack of adequate mental health support for first responders.
This realization spurred him to create Survive First, an organization dedicated to providing mental health resources and support to first responders and their families. Doug recounts the challenges he encountered with Florida's workers compensation system, which often fails to address mental health needs effectively. He emphasizes how disheartening it was to navigate the system while battling mental health issues. These experiences have fueled his passion for advocating mental health awareness and support within the law enforcement community.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the benefits of online therapy, which offers a discreet and accessible option for first responders. Doug highlights how online therapy can be utilized in tactical situations, providing immediate support in crisis situations. This innovative approach has been met with positive reactions from law enforcement leaders who recognize the potential of online platforms to enhance mental health support.
The episode delves into alarming statistics, revealing that in 2018, the number of first responders who died by suicide exceeded those killed in the line of duty. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support systems. Doug's message is clear: it is vital for those in high-stress roles to talk openly about mental health and seek help without stigma.
Survive First aims to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that first responders can continue their duties without compromising their mental health. Through candid and vulnerable conversations, this episode sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness and the need for change in how support systems are structured for those serving in critical roles.