The Firefighters Podcast
The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.
Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this life path.
Our driving purpose is to create a legacy resource for the current and future generations of firefighters & first responders
The Firefighters Podcast
#355 From Firefighting to Recovery: Navigating Injury, Identity, and Mental Health with Justin Stoneham
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Stoneham, a retired firefighter with nearly three decades of service in East Sussex Fire Brigade. Justin takes us through his extensive career, beginning as a retained firefighter in 1993 and progressing to roles such as Fire Control Operator, Lead Instructor at the Training Centre, and finally Watch Manager at Eastbourne Fire Station. His career came to a sudden shift in 2022 when he was forced into ill-health retirement due to spinal injuries sustained in the line of duty. Since then, Justin has embarked on a new journey, becoming a qualified counsellor and pursuing a diploma in trauma therapy. Throughout our conversation, Justin reflects on his career, the challenges of retiring due to injury, and the emotional toll of leaving a profession that shaped his identity.
The discussion also delves into broader themes of mental health in the fire service and beyond. Justin and I explore the negativity bias in the media and how it can impact mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of cultivating resilience and optimism in an often cynical world. We touch on the feelings of loneliness, shame, and loss of identity that can arise from both injury and retirement, and Justin highlights the critical role of social connections and self-compassion in recovery. Together, we reflect on the importance of person-centred counselling, asking better questions, and creating space for open conversations about trauma and emotional health. Wrapping up the episode, we discuss the value of storytelling—mentioning the film Inside Out as a useful tool for understanding emotions—and the need for accessible support systems for those navigating the complex journey of physical and mental recovery.
Negativity Bias - The Decision Lab
Mental health services for veterans | Combat Stress
Why? Counselling - BACP Therapist in Eastbourne - Why Counselling
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