First responder post-trauma response statistics are staggering:

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• 200 cops commit suicide every year; this is the leading cause of death in active duty
  
• Approximately 18% active duty police struggle with PTSD
  

And yet, only 3% of police agencies have suicide and PTSD awareness/prevention programs. What’s wrong with the system and why isn’t anyone doing something to help stop the ongoing destruction of trauma in the first responder population?

As man who knows the effects of trauma in the line of duty first-hand, today’s Changing Direction guest, Captain Dan Willis, is the author of Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responder’s Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart and has very dynamic ideas about what should be done going forward. In our conversation we covered:

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• Capt. Willis’ personal trauma and PTSD experience and healing
  
• The biggest problem with PTSD in the first responder community
  
• 7 concrete actions you can take to start moving forward
  

My fave quote:

“PTSD is a cancer of the soul. You don’t really know you’re changing.”

That’s so true, and makes it doubly important to engage in self-assessment practices that illuminate the changes and light the way to healing.

La Mesa Police Captain Dan Willis is a former homicide investigator and SWAT commander who has developed wellness programs and specializes in providing emotional survival and wellness training to first responders. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and the FBI National Academy. He lives in San Diego, CA and his website is www.FirstResponderWellness.com. His new book, Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responder’s Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart, is available from New World Library.