Mental Health and Well-Being
Mental Health and Well-Being for First Responders, Second Responders, the Military, and Veterans
Does your job expose you
Does your job expose you to death, destruction, chaos, trauma, injuries, or the dark side of humanity?
Do you work when most people are asleep?
Do you make complex decisions at work with ease,
yet cannot make simple decisions at home?
Are you constantly “on alert,” scanning other people and your surroundings?
Do you easily get pissed off at people, places,
or situations that didn’t bother you before?
Are you drinking more or using cannabis to numb emotional pain
and help you forget the disturbing events you’ve witnessed?
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You — a trauma exposed professional
You — a trauma exposed professional (e.g., first responder, second responder, Canadian Armed Forces member, veteran) — perform (or used to perform) a challenging job in a stressful environment. In policing, dispatch, corrections, fire, ambulance, conservation, social services, health care, and other related work, you witness violence, death, and human and animal suffering. Your job is unpredictable. You are exposed to the dark side of humanity.
Most of your clientele see you when they are at their lowest point. You work in a high stress, tumultuous environment and rely on standard operating procedures and protocols to keep yourself, your co-workers, and the public safe and to save lives. You work hard to remain professional while managing chaotic situations.
You were likely gung-ho when you first started your job. You couldn’t wait to go to work. You wore your uniform with pride. You volunteered enthusiastically for overtime. You thrived on the adrenaline rush.
Over time, however, things started to change.
Working shift work, your sleep began to deteriorate. You consumed a lot of caffeine and energy drinks to stay awake during night shifts. Your diet worsened. You became irritable. Little things began to set you off. You isolated yourself from friends and acquaintances. You stayed away from crowds. You avoided people, places and situations because they made you anxious.
It’s not easy to “switch off” when you finish work and then re-enter the civilian world. You may attend a horrific call and later go home to a spouse who complains that you didn’t take out the trash. Living in such a duality can be a mind fuck sometimes.
How do I know? I’m a war survivor. I’ve been directly exposed to the dark side of humanity. I’ve been subjected to the effects of trauma myself.
I understand the importance of compassion and awareness when healing from trauma. That understanding and my own experience help me to empower others from a place of authenticity.
I’ve learned to let go of the trauma, fear, anxiety, and doubt that held me back for many years. No longer living in fear has allowed me to become the person I am and provide a unique therapeutic experience to all who come my way.
I’m Dr. Anoosha Avni, registered psychologist. I’ve been working with first responders, second responders, the military, and veterans for 15 years. I’m highly specialized in helping those who bravely serve our communities and our country. My mission is to spread the word about the importance of brain health and to de-stigmatize seeing a psychologist.
I can help you understand how your job has changed you and, more importantly, help you with anxiety management by teaching you effective coping strategies and process the traumas that your body and mind have stored for a long time. You will feel calmer, more easy-going, and enjoy everyday life and relationships. Anxiety doesn’t need to rule your life.
You take care of everyone else. Now it’s time to take care of YOU.
Contact me today
Contact me today if you’re ready to begin healing your anxiety and living calmly.
Or, read on to find out more about me and how I work.