Episode Number: 30
Publish Date: Dec 19th, 2023
Host: Arjuna George
Guest: Chris Moore
Brief Description:
đź“š Unlocking Full Potential: A Conversation with Firefighter and Mental Health Advocate Christopher Moore
This Beneath the Helmet podcast episode highlights valuable insights on firefighters' health and wellness, featuring retired Fire Chief Arjuna George. The show hosts a deep and inspiring conversation with Mental Health Advocate and Fire Captain Christopher Moore. Christopher opens up about his journey with PTSD, health strategies, the importance of communication, and therapy. He also shares therapeutic coping mechanisms, the significance of having a support system, and the reality of dealing with mental health issues within the First Responder community.
0:00 Chris Moore
00:06 Introduction and Welcome
00:32 Introducing the Guest: Christopher Moore
00:34 Reflecting on the Year and Upcoming Season
01:06 Christopher Moore's Journey Through PTSD
01:35 The Importance of Mental Health Advocacy
02:29 Interview with Christopher Moore Begins
02:35 Christopher's Background and Early Career
04:16 The Impact of Trauma and the Importance of Sharing
04:50 Christopher's Personal Struggles and Recovery
05:51 The Importance of Peer Support and Mental Health Resources
06:13 Christopher's Current Advocacy Work
10:02 The Role of Therapy in Christopher's Journey
16:40 The Importance of Regular Therapy and Self-Care
20:57 Christopher's Experience with Traditional Therapy
26:59 The Need for Proactive Mental Health Support in First Responder Organizations
35:02 The Importance of Regular Mental Health Checks
36:37 Importance of Pre and Post Shift Mental Check-ins
37:27 Understanding the ACE Score and its Impact on Mental Health
39:39 The Connection between ACE Scores and First Responders
42:23 Addressing the Topic of Suicide in First Responders
43:07 Supporting Survivors of Suicide Attempts in the Force
45:35 Personal Experience with Suicide Attempt and Recovery
52:52 The Role of AA's 12 Step Program in Recovery
01:01:21 The Power of Listening and Reaching Out
01:11:04 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
01:16:21 Podcast Closing Remarks
Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:
đź“ž Personal Cell Phone (757) 5363373
Recommendations:
📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)
Bio
Chris Moore is the son of a Norfolk, Virginia Police Officer and began his own public safety career in Virginia Beach, Virginia as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT in 1993. As a volunteer, he put in as many hours as possible, picking the brains of the career members and soaking it all in, in hope of one day becoming a career firefighter. In 2000 Chris' dream became a reality as he was offered a job with the Chesapeake Virginia Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic.
Chris has served in a variety of assignments including: Firefighter Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Recruit School Instructor, MDA Fill the Boot coordinator, Foam Team, PPE Team, Fire Lieutenant and he currently serves as a Captain of the Hazmat Team and as a member of his Departments Behavioral Health and Peer Support Team.
Chris has received numerous awards and commendations for his selflessness, bravery, commitment and dedication to the fire service. He most recently received the Fire Chiefs Medal of Commendation for his personal work and vulnerability in the first responder mental health and wellness field.
Chris was formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress related to his years of service in 2018. In 2020, he decided that helping other first responders by sharing his journey in a completely open, honest and transparent format was another way of giving back. He started speaking at conferences and symposiums nationwide. This lets other first responders know that there is help out there as well as hope. He received his PTSD service dog, Lewis, in the summer of 2020. He is also a published writer in Fire Engineering Magazine, has been on numerous podcasts and news stories and he will be in the upcoming documentary PTSD 911. Chris is also an alumni of Save a Warrior.
Connect with the Host:
🎙️Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret)
Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.
www.silverarrowco.com
www.burntaroundtheedges.com
www.beneaththehelmet.ca
Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show:
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🎧Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/from-ptsd-to-mental-health-ambassador-christopher-moores/id1676314109?i=1000639133940
🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/From-PTSD-to-Mental-Health-Ambassador-Christopher-Moores-Inspiring-Story-e2df091
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