First Responders, PTSD and Psychedelic Medicine work
Title: Transforming Trauma: An Interview with Angela Graham on The Siren Project
In a poignant and enlightening episode of our podcast, Dr. Sabrina Hadeed sits down with Angela Graham of The Siren Project to discuss the transformative power of alternative mental health therapies, particularly psychedelic treatments, for first responders. Angela shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, healing, and helping others find their way to recovery through The Siren Project.
Introduction
Dr. Sabrina Hadeed couldn't be more excited to welcome Angela Graham to this episode of the podcast. Angela, along with her husband, has dedicated her life to The Siren Project, which offers alternative mental health therapies to first responders. Both Angela and her husband have extensive experience in the firefighting field, spanning over 35 years. Through their work, they aim to provide access to unconventional treatments, including psychedelic therapies, to those who need them the most.
Angela's Journey
Angela begins by sharing her own background in firefighting, having worked for the Santa Clara County Fire Department for nearly 20 years. Her husband is still active in the field, working with another department. Their journey into psychedelic medicine started through their involvement in search and rescue with canines, where they learned about the therapeutic benefits of these treatments from the veteran community.
Angela explains that the veteran community is about 5 to 10 years ahead of first responders in utilizing these therapies to cope with post-traumatic stress. She shares how they discovered psychedelic medicines and entheogenics, emphasizing that such treatments are more than just "doing drugs"—they are promising avenues for mental health.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of First Responders
Dr. Sabrina Hadeed brings up an important question: what makes the experiences of first responders unique when it comes to PTSD and trauma? Angela highlights the chronic nature of their stress, contrasting it with the acute stress experienced by veterans. Over decades of service, first responders face constant exposure to trauma, lack of sleep, and extreme physical conditions, all of which contribute to their mental health struggles.
Angela also sheds light on the unhealthy dissociation that first responders must practice to perform their duties, such as performing CPR without being emotionally overwhelmed. This need for constant dissociation can make traditional therapies less effective.
The Healing Power of Psychedelics
Angela recounts her personal experience with psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT. She emphasizes that while the journey was rough, the results were profound. She found herself less reactive and more mellow, able to handle her son's temper tantrums without getting triggered. This newfound sense of peace led her to the realization that such treatments should be more accessible.
Dr. Sabrina and Angela discuss the importance of proper preparation and integration when undergoing psychedelic treatments. It’s not just a matter of taking the medicine; it involves meditation, breath work, and setting the right intentions. Angela stresses that healing is an ongoing process requiring continued effort.
Barriers to Access and The Role of The Siren Project
Despite the promising results, Angela reveals the significant barriers first responders face in accessing these therapies. Legal issues, departmental policies, and the fear of looking weak contribute to their reluctance. Angela shares a shocking statistic: the suicide rate among firefighters has quadrupled over the past 20 years, despite increased access to traditional mental health resources.
The Siren Project aims to break down these barriers by providing safe and affordable access to these treatments. Angela mentions their upcoming retreats, designed to fund the mission and offer help to those who can't afford it.
Impact and Transformation
Angela shares heartwarming stories of transformation, including a firefighter who reconciled with his ex-wife and participants who found a newfound belief in a higher power. She emphasizes that the benefits extend beyond personal healing to improving relationships and overall well-being.
Conclusion
The conversation concludes with a powerful message: healing is a holistic process that involves the mind, body, and spirit. Angela and Dr. Sabrina agree that treating these aspects together, rather than in isolation, holds the key to true recovery.
Get Involved
Angela urges listeners to visit The Siren Project's website at thesirenproject.org to learn more and support their mission. As they continue to fight for access to these transformative therapies, they need all the help they can get.
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a deep dive into the world of alternative mental health therapies and their potential to transform the lives of first responders. Angela’s journey and the mission of The Siren Project provide hope for many who are struggling in silence. By breaking down barriers and advocating for accessible treatments, they are paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future in mental health care.
