Alicia Cadiz is well-known when it comes to relationships and breakups. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist, CEO, and Founder of Healing With Alicia, a mental health counseling private practice. Alicia helps clients holistically connect the mind, body, and soul as one, most importantly, in a safe space where you can fully trust your therapist.
When we think of first responders, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and emergency medical personnel, we often envision individuals who rush toward danger to protect others. But behind this brave instinct is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and emotional factors that enable them to face fear and trauma head-on. While many people would instinctively flee from a burning building or a life-threatening situation, first responders are trained and wired to run toward it.
However, this resilience comes at a cost. The physiological and psychological toll of repeatedly facing trauma can leave first responders vulnerable to mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. On the other hand, there is also a phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), the idea that individuals can experience personal development and positive transformation as a result of enduring trauma.
As a licensed psychotherapist with a holistic approach to mental health, I’ve seen how first responders, despite the toll their work takes on them, can tap into their incredible resilience and undergo transformative growth. In this article, I will explore the unique ways in which resilience is forged in the crucible of daily trauma and how epigenetics and attachment theory play a significant role in shaping how first responders cope with, and even thrive after, trauma.
The biological response: Running toward the danger zone
As humans, we are hardwired for survival. When faced with danger, the body activates its fight-or-flight response a biological reaction that prepares us to either confront or flee from a threat. The sympathetic nervous system takes over, flooding the body with adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. These physical responses are essential for short bursts of high-energy activity that can keep us alive in moments of danger.
But what happens when the biological response to danger is fundamentally altered? For most people, the biological response to fear is to flee. Yet, for first responders, the instinctual impulse is to rush toward the threat. This decision is not merely driven by duty; it is a deeply ingrained part of their psychological makeup. Over time, this repeated exposure to trauma can change the way a first responder’s body and mind process fear and stress, creating new neurological patterns and physiological responses.
Post-traumatic growth: A new path to transformation
While trauma can cause significant emotional distress, it is not always the end of the story. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a concept that highlights the potential for positive change following traumatic events. While PTSD is the more commonly discussed outcome of trauma, PTG emphasizes the possibility of profound psychological transformation after experiencing hardship.
For first responders, trauma and exposure to life-threatening situations can often lead to PTG. They might experience shifts in their values, relationships, and even personal meaning. First responders often emerge from traumatic events with a heightened sense of purpose, increased empathy, or a more profound appreciation for life. The stress and challenges they face can act as catalysts for self-improvement, resilience, and a deeper understanding of their capabilities.
This transformational potential is supported by research in positive psychology, which has shown that individuals who confront extreme adversity can develop enhanced emotional resilience, improved coping skills, and a greater sense of personal strength. For first responders, their ability to endure trauma and still serve their communities can lead them to find greater purpose and fulfillment, qualities that are essential for mental health and well-being in the long run.
The impact of epigenetics on resilience and trauma
Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors and life experiences can influence the expression of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Essentially, epigenetics explores how the environment and experiences can “turn on” or “turn off” specific genes, shaping how an individual responds to stress, trauma, and adversity.
When we look at first responders, the role of epigenetics is crucial. Repeated exposure to trauma can alter the expression of genes related to stress and emotional regulation. Studies suggest that chronic stress can impact the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which is responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress. Over time, this can lead to epigenetic changes that may make first responders more prone to PTSD, depression, or other mental health struggles. These changes can affect their ability to recover from traumatic events and influence their coping mechanisms.
Interestingly, epigenetic changes are not just confined to the individual. Intergenerational epigenetic inheritance suggests that trauma can affect not only the first responder but also their children and grandchildren. The experiences of stress and trauma may leave an imprint on the genes that can be passed down, influencing how future generations react to stressors and trauma.
This underscores the complexity of resilience; it’s shaped not only by an individual’s experiences but also by genetic predispositions and the environmental factors they’ve been exposed to. In this context, resilience is not just about mental toughness; it is a biological and psychological phenomenon that unfolds over time and is deeply connected to the individual’s epigenetic makeup.
Attachment theory and the role of relationships in resilience
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, explores how early relationships and attachment patterns influence emotional regulation, coping mechanisms, and resilience throughout life. For first responders, the quality of their early attachment experiences, especially with caregivers, can play a significant role in how they manage stress, form relationships, and cope with trauma.
Secure attachment, which develops when caregivers are responsive and nurturing, provides a strong foundation for emotional regulation. This allows individuals to feel confident in seeking support and expressing their emotions when faced with stress. On the other hand, anxious attachment, which results from neglectful, inconsistent, or overly critical caregivers, can lead to difficulties in emotional processing and attachment to others, making it harder to form strong, supportive relationships in adulthood.
For first responders, who often experience trauma and high-stress situations, their attachment style can significantly impact their ability to recover from traumatic events. First responders with secure attachment styles may be better equipped to process trauma, rely on social support, and use effective coping strategies. Those with an anxious attachment may struggle more with emotional regulation, which could heighten their risk of developing mental health issues after experiencing trauma.
One of the key aspects of fostering resilience in first responders is building strong, secure relationships, both within and outside their work environment. Peer support, family connections, and professional counseling can all play vital roles in helping first responders process trauma, build coping strategies, and prevent burnout.
Fostering resilience in first responders: A holistic approach
To truly support first responders in harnessing their resilience and experiencing post-traumatic growth, a holistic approach is essential. This means integrating mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual practices into their daily routines. As a psychotherapist, I encourage strategies such as:
Trauma-informed therapy: That allows first responders to process and heal from their experiences.
Mindfulness and meditation: To help manage stress and cultivate emotional regulation.
Physical activity and nutrition: To support the body’s response to stress and promote overall well-being.
Peer support groups: To create a sense of community and connection among first responders who share similar experiences.
Additionally, it is crucial to address the epigenetic factors at play. Through early intervention and ongoing support, first responders can reduce the long-term impact of trauma on their biological systems, helping to prevent the onset of mental health conditions.
The path to post-traumatic growth
Resilience is not just about surviving trauma; it’s about transforming it into a source of strength. First responders possess an extraordinary capacity for resilience, but it requires continuous support, self-awareness, and a holistic approach to healing. By understanding the complex interplay between biological responses, attachment styles, and epigenetics, we can better appreciate the profound challenges faced by first responders and the incredible potential for post-traumatic growth that exists within them.
With the right tools, support systems, and self-care strategies, first responders can continue to serve their communities while also fostering their own mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, it’s the combination of personal growth, biological adaptation, and supportive relationships that enables them to not just endure but thrive after trauma.
Read more from Alicia Cadiz
Alicia Cadiz, CEO, Founder, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist
Alicia Cadiz is a leader, breaking barriers, in the world of mental health. Alicia always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to holistically helping others reach their highest potential. She studied the work of Carl Jung at a young age and bases her therapeutic approach on his teachings. She explores every category of a client, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, as she helps uncover your shadows and unconscious self, bringing light and awareness to the parts of ourselves we want to hide. Energy does not lie and neither does the power of the universe.
