Episode 37: For Those Who Run Toward Danger

Some people serve in roles to protect their neighbors and communities. In this episode, I address those professionals whose dedication to service requires them to face dangerous situations.

We begin by examining compartmentalization, an ability that enables all human beings to respond in some degree to a crisis situation. The professionals who deal with danger on a daily basis have undergone special training that develops and strengthens this skill, equipping them to function at a high level in spite of unimaginable pressure. Once we understand more about how this skillset operates, we can then explore how it can become a problem for a person once their shift is over.

The skillset that enables professionals to face dangerous situations can become a liability in their personal lives. Learning to temporarily ignore or push away strong emotional responses is a benefit in a crisis, but it causes internal conflict that can cause a variety of physical and mental problems if not addressed. Unfortunately, many people experience strain in their relationships, along with fatigue and burnout on the job. In more extreme cases, the internal pressure of facing crises can lead to problematic behaviors, including thrill-seeking and substance use disorders. 

These problems can be compounded by contradictory messaging put out by the command structure within institutions. Too often, the result is that the individual professional is left feeling more isolated and pressured to act as if nothing is affecting them.

There is a message of hope in the form of practical, real-world solutions. First, the well-meaning messages around improving “self-care” must be abandoned, as they are not helpful and often make it more difficult for service professionals to address the strain of doing crisis work over time. A much more effective response is a layered approach that starts with self-understanding and self-acceptance, that instills more effective stress-relief strategies, and that builds more meaningful connections between the professional and their family and community.

By understanding the function and limitations of compartmentalization, first responders and others in service professions can learn to take practical steps to ensure their health and longevity in the work they are called to do.

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Many of the principles and techniques described in this episode are featured in more depth in Dr. Raker's new book, Disarm the Bomb! Defuse ANGER Before it Derails Your Life, and the accompanying Workbook & Study Guide. Both are now available at www.drdanraker.com. 

As a special "Thank you!" PLP Podcast listeners can use this exclusive discount code for 15% off the books at checkout (free shipping in the continental US, too!): PLPPODCAST15.