679: Mom's Bigotry Makes Romantic Future Hard to See | Feedback Friday

Seeking Help

Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel Mizrahi discuss the challenges faced by a first responder struggling with depression and reluctance to seek help. Jordan emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying feelings that make opening up difficult, such as fear or shame 1. He suggests that naming these feelings can help in addressing them more effectively.

Depression is not just a chemical thing but a defense against feelings in the first place.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Jordan also highlights that the culture in high-stress jobs like first responders often reinforces the suppression of emotions, making it even harder to seek help 2.

   

Opening Up

Gabriel points out that the reluctance to open up is often magnified by the closeness of relationships, making it easier to talk to strangers than loved ones. He notes that avoiding these feelings can be more detrimental than the feelings themselves 3. Jordan encourages the first responder to book a therapy appointment and stick with it, emphasizing that discomfort is a sign of progress.

It's not the feelings that are bringing them down, even if it feels that way. It's actually the avoidance of the feelings.

--- Jordan Harbinger

They both stress the importance of addressing these issues not just for personal well-being but also for maintaining professional performance 3.