LifeWorks Counseling & Wellness LLC

10/24/2025

🙌🏼 🫶🏼

10/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/182eEi7Nxh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨 First Responders — These Are Warning Signs Too 🚨

You’re trained to recognize the physical signs of crisis in others. But when it comes to your own mental health, it’s easy to overlook the quiet red flags.

Some signs your mind and body may be overwhelmed:

Snapping at people or sudden mood changes

Canceling plans or ignoring messages because you’re drained

Sleeping too much or not enough

Feeling numb, withdrawn, or easily irritated

Not caring about how you look or letting self-care slide

Increased drinking, risky behavior, or working nonstop to avoid feelings

Feeling hopeless about the future—or like nothing matters anymore

These are not weaknesses. They’re symptoms.
They’re your nervous system saying: “I’m tired. I need help.”

🧠 Mental health injuries are just as real as physical ones.
The earlier you recognize the signs, the sooner you can heal.

You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to reach out.
You’re not alone—and you’re worth the care you give to everyone else. 💙

10/19/2025

Graphic credit:

10/19/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17NaDmV2BW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨 Trauma is in Your Head — But It’s Not Imaginary

For first responders, it’s easy to start believing you should “just get over it” or that what you’re feeling isn’t real because you “should be used to it by now.” But here’s the truth:

Trauma doesn’t only affect your memories or emotions — it physically changes your brain.

🧠 Before trauma:
Your brain sees most situations as neutral. It allows you to process, respond, and move on.

🧠 After trauma:
Your brain rewires to protect you. Experiences, sounds, places, or even smells that once felt normal can now be interpreted as dangerous. This isn’t weakness — it's your nervous system trying to keep you alive.

So yes — trauma is “in your head” —
but it’s not made up. It’s biology. It’s your brain adapting to survive.

You are not broken.

You are not imagining it.

Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do — protect you.

Healing is possible. With the right support, your nervous system can learn safety again.

💙 You don’t need to tough it out. You need to be understood.

10/14/2025

Had the privilege of attending this incredible training by ResponderStrong alongside some amazing first responders (including City of Portland Fire Department Chief Weitzel) and other mental health professionals who all share the same passion for supporting the mental well-being of all emergency responders, active and retired.
We are now ready to help carry out the mission ResponderStrong has with helping reduce stigma, burnout, and the many effects from post traumatic injuries experienced by those in the emergency services profession.
I absolutely love my job and am so grateful to be a part of this work! ❤️

10/08/2025

09/26/2025

These free apps were shared with me recently (see comments for the other two), and they’re worthy of sharing with all of you 🫶🏼
Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Great, free app for anyone!

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ptsd-coach/id430646302