Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Understanding Common Defense Mechanisms as a First Responder

Creator: @SoulfullyAButterfly

undefined

Defense mechanisms are automatic unconscious responses and processes we use to cope with emotional conflicts and external as well as internal stressors. Some common defense mechanisms that first responders use to deal with career challenges include:

  • Stoicism is a cultural expectation in that first responders are expected to not be impacted by the experiences that they respond to. This line of thought and culture prevents help-seeking and accessible support.
  • Depersonalization leads to feelings of someone else experiencing one’s experience. 
  • Derealization leads to feelings of an experience being unreal.

While these mechanisms may be used to cope with trauma, habitual usage can have negative consequences, including delayed onset of PTSD.

Have you experienced any of the above mentioned mechanisms? Reflect and share your experiences in the box below.