Fishing and Treatment of PTSD

A nurse working inside Canada’s prison system as a crisis negotiator developed PTSD as a result of work-related trauma. Following her diagnosis and treatment, she discovered how healing fishing was for her. Now Christine Lapeer founded Mindful Fishing which hosts fishing excursions for first responders grappling with PTSD.

Schmidt & Salita Law Team’s attorney, Josh Laabs is well aware of the emotional wellness benefits of fishing. Josh is a founding board member of the organization, Pier22 Fishing, a non-profit dedicated to providing fishing excursions for military veterans and at-risk youth. Pier22 Fishing’s mission is “fishing with a purpose!”

Pier22 Fishing recently donated a guide trip to Soldiers 6’s 6th Annual Fundraiser. Soldiers 6 is a great organization that assists veterans and First Responders struggling with PTSD and matches first responders and veterans with service dogs.

Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, a self-described Walleye addict and founding member of Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited, Josh grew up fishing with his father who had been a fishing guide for over 30 years. Josh’s sincerity and passion for making his community a better place shines through his representation of his clients as well as his non-profit work. The son of psychologists, he has a unique ability to connect with clients, particularly those who are struggling.

For more information check out How a Nurse Uses Fishing to Fight PTSD and Pier 22 Fishing.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide is a serious pressing crisis facing the fire service and has surpassed the number of line of duty deaths for firefighters. Firefighters are dying and they need help.

Symptoms of depression and PTSD, which firefighters regularly face, may include suicidal thoughts. The IAFF estimates that 50% of all firefighters have thought about wanting to die, 20% make a plan, 16% will attempt suicide, and 16% will engage in self-harm.

We have to do better by our public servants. Work comp insurance companies need to admit and help pay for claims so firefighters are able to get better mental health help.

If you are struggling, please seek help. Please help your brother or sister firefighter by making it okay to get help and breaking down the mental health stigma that is killing firefighters.

Additional Resources:

2B CONTINUED - local non-profit dedicated to increase awareness of suicide prevention, mental health & wellness through advocacy, education, and outreach.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

MnFIRE Support Hotline: 1-888-784-6634

Hometown Heroes Assistance Program Passes

The passing of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program passing is a huge win for all firefighters in the State of Minnesota . The Minnesota Legislature passed this bill due to the hard work of groups such as MnFIRE and Minnesota Professional Firefighters. The Hometown Heroes Act targets and works to reduce the effects of emotional trauma, cancer, and heart conditions that face Minnesota firefighters.

The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program:

1. Provides MnFIRE Awareness training for every firefighter across the state.

2. Provides MnFIRE Awareness training for medical professionals so they may help prevent and mitigate the significant health risks facing firefighters.

3. Create a “critical care” policy for firefighters to cover the cancer and heart condition treatment, up to $20,000 of coverage..

4. Create MnFIRE Assistance Program for firefighters that addresses the significant emotional trauma and toil from the fire service.

“I, unfortunately, have watched many of my fellow firefighters suffer and die from cancer and heart disease, if we don’t take care of the folks we call when we’re in trouble, how can we expect them to be there when we need them? I’m passionate about this subject, and I’m honored to be carrying this bill.”

-Senator Jeff Howe, co-sponsor of this legislation

This program will significantly help Minnesota’s 22,000 firefighters who face these serious health issues.