From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Tips for First Responders with David Vilaysing

Welcome back to "The First Responder Playbook," where we dive into real conversations about the challenges and triumphs of first responders. In this episode, host Brent is joined by returning guest David Vilaysing to tackle a topic that hits close to home for anyone in law enforcement or emergency services: burnout.

Brent and David open up about their own personal experiences with stress, anxiety, and the often unspoken signs of burnout—from withdrawing from friends and family, to panic attacks and dangerous thoughts on the job. They discuss the importance of breaking the "suck it up, buttercup" mentality, recognizing stress early, and knowing when to reach out for help through resources like EAP programs or peer support.

The conversation covers practical strategies to combat burnout, such as building supportive relationships, improving sleep and nutrition, setting boundaries away from the job, and integrating healthy habits into a busy first responder schedule. David shares insights from his own wellness journey, and both guests emphasize that small, consistent steps can make a major difference—both mentally and physically.

Whether you’re a first responder facing your own struggles, a family member, or someone interested in the realities behind the badge, this episode is packed with honest stories and actionable advice to help you stay well on and off the job.

#policementalhealth #firstresponderburnout #copingwithburnout

Resources: https://1strespondercoaching.org/15-resources-to-support-first-responders/