Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP, FASAM
Stigma 4: When Heroes Need Help
Stigma 4: When Heroes Need Help
Stigma 4: When Heroes Need Help
Monday 29th September 2025
Explore how first responders tackle stigma around mental health and addiction, featuring stories from firefighters and medical professionals.
44 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Encouraging
Eye-opening
About this podcast
Author:
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
151 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!When Heroes Need Help: Breaking Down Stigma in Emergency Services
Episode Overview
- First responders face unique mental health challenges due to job stress.
- Stigma often prevents seeking help for PTSD and addiction.
- Vulnerability is key to breaking down barriers and encouraging support.
- Female first responders experience additional scrutiny in male-dominated fields.
- Supportive environments are crucial for mental health recovery.
It's hard because we're wired to want to push ourselves to do our best.
Ever wondered what it takes for heroes to ask for help? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Made Easy' tackles the stigma faced by first responders when it comes to mental health and addiction. Host Dr. Casey Grover chats with firefighters Jesse and Evan, and Dr. Reb Close, sharing their personal battles with PTSD and substance use. These brave souls discuss the immense pressure to maintain a 'tough guy' image, even when they're struggling internally.
With humour and honesty, they explore the difficulties of seeking help in a field where showing vulnerability is seen as weakness. Jesse and Evan recount their experiences of battling addiction while managing high-stress jobs, highlighting the dangers of self-medication and the importance of recognising PTSD symptoms early. Dr. Reb Close offers insights into the unique challenges faced by female first responders, shedding light on the extra scrutiny they endure.
The conversation underscores the need for supportive environments where asking for help is not a sign of failure but a step towards healing. So, how can we break down these barriers and encourage more heroes to seek the help they need? Tune in to find out!