The Happy First Responder
Americans are the unhappiest they have been in 50 years. The stress of Covid-19 with its fear, isolation and grief, the economic challenges of our divided country, are all playing a part. Depression has tripled and youth suicide is way up. The mood of America’s First responders has also taken a hit. Thirty percent of them have developed behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as compared with twenty percent in the general population. Many EMS providers are feeling striking discontent at work. Paramedic Jody Marks has recently stated “ Even in a field notorious for high levels of danger stress and burnout, the level of unhappiness within our ranks seems staggering!”
Is it possible that we in EMS can be happy at a time like this? The answer is YES, and this presentation will show how. The actual secret of happiness is not in the gluteal but in the cerebral. You can cultivate happiness even when it seems like the world is crumbling around you!. Happiness is believing that your life matters, and involvement in EMS provides that satisfaction.
The major secrets to happiness is understanding the five brain types and the four circles of happiness. We will explore together: The chemicals of happiness, The gut-brain connection, The biology of happiness, which optimizes the physical functioning of the brain, Happy nutraceuticals and the happier diet, The psychology of happiness and the power of positivity, The social connections of happiness, The cognitive dissonance that comes from our own inaccurate expectations of how EMS should be!
Happiness comes from moving your life forward toward your life goals with meaning and purpose based on your values. This presentation will provide a clear vision of increased happiness in your professional and personal life!