Resources
ICISF is the leading international provider for peer support, psychological, and emotional first aid necessary to transform lives and help revitalize communities in the aftermath of catrastrophe.
ICISF cofounders Dr. Jeffery Mitchell, PhD, CCISM and Dr. George Everly, PhD, CCISM have been presenting Peer Support training for over 30 years. Though the name of the model has changed and some components have been challenged, CISM fundamentally remains a program of peer support and mental wellness for those who experience crises.
Resources on this page may be of interest to assorted professions and occupational settings, span a variety of content and will use numerous formats.
We hope you find postings of interest. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas on how to make this page a resource for you!
Crisis, Stress and Human Resilience: An International Journal
A multidisciplinary, quarterly, online, open access journal. The Journal strives to publish cutting edge papers which will further effective practice, program development, research, and general understanding, as well as innovative and even well-supported speculative thinking.
Blog
2/5/20 Hot off the Press..
Are you interested in CISM Legislation; Law Enforcement, Dispatch, Corrections, Fire Services, and Veterans; Mental Health, Stress, PTSD and Wellness. Here's a roundup of articles posted in the last 30 days....
- Members Testify Before Senate on Critical Incident Stress Management Bill
- Leadership through Modern-Day Approaches to Community and Employee Wellness
- Corrections: Breaking the “I’m good” code of silence
- 3 things firefighters need to know about wellness programs
- 911 dispatchers are unsung heroes
- Police: If I Could forget what my eyes have seen
- Combat veteran uses Float therapy to treat PTSD
- Online program launched to offer mental health support to first responders in Saskatchewan
- CA Firefighter Hiking 500 Miles for PTSD Awareness
- Chief says mental health is the biggest issue for police services
- State Police roll out wellness program to help Troopers deal with job stress, PTSD
- Responding to Mental Health and Wellness Challenges: Ideas from the Field
- Addressing Post-Traumatic Stress in the Fire Service
- Fla. sheriff shares video encouraging LEOs to seek mental health help
1/22/20 In the News...
Wellness and the Mental Health of First Responders continues to be in the forefront of news over the last month.
From reporting of annual suicide rates among various occupations to plans for addressing concerns, take a look at our compilation of recent coverage.
- Record number of LEOs died by suicide in 2019
- Addressing the epidemic of firefighter suicide
- Task force aims to reduce suicide rates for first responders
- Addressing operational stress and PTSD among police
- Veteran shares challenges, pain of PTSD in hope of helping others
- PTSD can wreck the lives of first responders. A Woodstock firefighter wants to change that
- Fire departments step up their mental health game
- Battling the loss of police in America: A cop's desperate call for help
- The deaths of five law enforcement officers have caused leadership to re-evaluate how departments approach mental health
- Fire chief talks about the dangers of the job and importance of mental health
- New law making mental health services more accessible for first responders
- Suicide spurs fire union’s mental health pitch
- Retired officer steps in to save cop from taking his own life
12/18/19 Stress and Grief during the Holiday Season
Around the holiday season there is often an increase in feelings of stress as time and money resources are drained, and many people struggle with unresolved and recent losses. Self-care is essential year round, but even more so during this stressful season.
Proactive self-care can help all of us. Or if things are stress-free in your life, the tips in the attached articles will help you enjoy the season even more. Remember self-care happens all year long, not just the holidays.
- Coping with Grief During the Holidays
- Grief and the Holidays: Dealing with the Pain
- Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief after a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- 6 Little Things you can do for Someone Who is Grieving at the Holidays
11/20/19 Giving Thanks and Gratitude...
Our information revolution and post-industrial society has created more service industries than ever before with an emphasis on community wellness and taking care of each other being a common goal.
The African proverb "it takes a village" often refers to the myriad of people, their actions and collaborative efforts and how it benefits their community. Although traditionally those in emergency services and/or public safety are recognized as helpers and often heroes, sometimes other professionals and lay persons are able to put their talents and specialties into helping others.
Musicians, farmers, scientists, survivors and caregivers all do their part to make a difference. Here's to those who make it happen:
- Threads of Hope: International Survivors of Suicide Loss
- Georgia Farm helps struggling veterans find connections and belonging as they care for the land and animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents Can Effectively And Safely Curb Major Depressive Symptoms
- Musicians being upfront about his own vulnerabilities — including dealing with mental health struggles — through his music and in person
- The "good road map" to being a caregiver. Provided by AARP Family Caregiving: The Military Caregiving Guide
Thanks and gratitude to our village!
11/6/19 In The News...
Coverage on mental health has increased, focusing on changing the culture of mental health in high stress occupations and altering the stigma of suicide. Here are few recent examples: