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Stepping Up: Finding Bravery in the Bonds of Peer Support

Stepping Up: Finding Bravery in the Bonds of Peer Support

 

From the Office of ICISF, Inc. 

In the darkest of moments when chaos reigns and the weight of a critical incident feels crushing, true courage often emerges from the strength found within a community. For first responders, military personnel, and anyone else who answers the call in times of crisis, this bravery is a quiet, powerful force. It can also be the willingness to show up for a peer, offering a hand and a listening ear when it’s needed most. It’s the essence of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and the foundation of effective peer support. Bravery isn’t always about heroics in the line of duty. Sometimes, it’s about the vulnerability to admit you’re struggling after a critical incident and the courage to seek help. This is where the ICISF model is deployed. CISM is a process that uses specifically trained peers to normalize typical stress responses after a critical incident. CISM is a form of psychological first aid delivered by those who truly understand the experience because they’ve lived it themselves. The power of peer support lies in its authenticity. When a first responder connects with another, they don’t have to explain the jargon, the sounds, or the smells of the incident. They are speaking a shared language of experience. This shared understanding breaks down barriers and fosters an environment where healing can begin. This community of shared experience transforms an unpleasant event into a manageable memory, allowing individuals to return to their jobs and families with renewed purpose. The impact of this approach extends beyond individual wellness. By stabilizing individuals, CISM and peer support teams help to stabilize the entire community. This can take many forms, from working with local media to reduce secondary traumatic stress after a major event to forming strong, resilient teams that can weather future storms together. The community aspect is a testament to the fact that no one should have to walk through their darkest moments alone. 

Tips for Responders and Their Peers 

While formal CISM training is invaluable, there are practical steps you can take to foster a culture of support and resilience in your unit or team. These tips apply to crisis responders, first responders, military, and anyone else who may encounter a critical incident. The goal is to create an environment where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

For the Individual Responder: 

  • Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings: After a critical incident, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including shock, anxiety, anger, or sadness. Do not try to suppress these feelings. Acknowledge them and understand that they are a natural response to an unnatural event. 
  • Talk to a Trusted Peer: While you may not want to rehash the entire incident, simply talking to someone who “gets it” can be incredibly helpful. This is a chance to connect and normalize your experience with someone who shares your professional life. 
  • Maintain Your Routine: As much as possible, try to stick to your normal schedule. This includes eating at regular times, getting enough sleep, and engaging in your usual hobbies. Routine can provide a sense of stability when your world feels shaken. 
  • Recognize the Signs in Yourself: Be aware of common stress reactions, such as changes in sleep patterns, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawing from social activities. If these symptoms persist, it may be time to speak with a professional. 

For a Peer or Teammate: 

  • Be Present and Listen: One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be there for your peer. You don’t need to have the answers or fix their problems. Just listen without judgment. Sometimes, simply knowing someone is there makes all the difference. 
  • Offer a Hand, Not a Lecture: Phrases like “You need to talk about it” can feel confrontational. Instead, use an open, gentle approach. Say, “I’m here if you ever want to talk,” or “How are you holding up?” 
  • Recognize the Signs in Others: Be an active observer of your team. Watch for changes in behavior, a decline in performance, or social withdrawal. A simple check-in can open the door for a peer to talk about what they are experiencing. 
  • Know Your Resources: Be aware of the CISM and peer support teams available within your organization. If a peer seems to be struggling, you can gently offer to connect them with a trained professional or a peer support team member. 

The courage to respond to a crisis is what makes a professional. But the courage to care for a teammate in their time of need is what builds a family. This is the ultimate bravery, a quiet and powerful force that ensures when one person is in the dark, the light of their community is there to guide them.  

  Sources 

Personal Reflections on Serving as a CISM Team Member
Navigating Stress and Cultivating Gratitude