Frontline Families: Support for First Responder and Military Spouses
Being the spouse or partner of an active duty service member, veteran, or first responder can be an incredible experience full of proud moments and admiration for the work your partner does — but it also comes with its own distinctive set of challenges.
You may often find yourself trying to balance the tough emotions that come with this lifestyle while still trying to support your loved one and your family, which can sometimes seem like an impossible task.
Guardian Homefront has partnered with two experts to provide you with tips to help you manage stress, enhance your well-being, and keep your relationships strong — plus the support of a community that understands your experience firsthand
Join us on Wednesday, October 23 at 8 PM ET via Zoom for an insightful virtual webinar, where you will hear new strategies from the experts on navigating all the challenges that come along with holding down the homefront.
We will hear from Dr. Shayna Popkin (General & Forensic Psychiatrist; Medical Director, Tunnel to Towers Foundation) and Caitlin Leavey (Mental Health Counselor).
Learn about these wellness strategies for Military, Veteran, & First responder Partners
Dedicate Time for Your Self-Care While Still Supporting Your Partner
Supporting your guardian can often mean putting their needs first, whether it’s managing the household during long deployments or comforting them after a difficult shift.
While it’s natural to want to be a strong source of support for your partner, it’s just as important to ensure you don’t lose sight of your own needs.
From not taking time for yourself to skipping out on essential daily tasks like journaling or meditation, neglecting your self-care can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and burnout, which isn’t good for you or your family (and can make it difficult for you to be present & positive in your relationship).
During our Zoom conversation, you’ll learn how to strike a healthier balance between supporting your loved one and dedicating time to care for yourself. We’ll explore different strategies to help you prioritize your well-being and replenish your energy so that you can be fully present and care for yourself just as much as you care for your partner.
Set Healthy Boundaries to Protect Everyone’s Well-Being
When your partner’s job demands so much from them, and by extension from you, it’s easy for boundaries to blur.
You may find yourself adjusting your life around their work schedule and putting their plans on hold. Over time, this can take a toll on your emotional health and lead to frustration or feelings of imbalance in the relationship.
Healthy boundaries are essential for protecting your well-being and ensuring you don’t lose your sense of self. During this event, you’ll learn how to communicate your boundaries in a way that honors both your partner’s role and your own needs.
Understand the Impact of Your Environment on Your Sense of Well-being
As the partner of a guardian, you may find yourself frequently navigating high-stress environments, and your environment plays a significant role in shaping your overall well-being.
From handling the unpredictability of your partner’s schedule or moving to new locations to managing crises when they arise, a chaotic home life can make communication difficult and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Our session will help you understand how to create a supportive environment that nurtures the emotional well-being of you and your loved ones by addressing both your internal and external environment and providing you with the tools needed to make your home a place of rest and recovery instead of another source of stress.
Pick Up New Communication Techniques to Strengthen Your Relationship
Clear, compassionate communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, but it’s vital for those with partners in demanding, high-risk jobs.
Miscommunication or lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, feelings of neglect, or conflict, especially when stress levels are high. In tough situations, you might struggle to express your needs or feel heard amid the chaos of daily life.
This webinar will provide you with proven communication techniques that can help you express your emotions, needs, and concerns constructively. These skills will help you create a deeper understanding between you and your partner and strengthen your relationship.
You’ll discover how to foster empathy, improve problem-solving, and keep the lines of communication open even when things get tough.
Meet the Experts in Well-Being for Frontline Families
Dr. Shayna Popkin
Dr. Shayna Popkin brings a lifetime of experience from a family dedicated to law enforcement. As a General and Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr. Popkin currently works as the Medical Director at Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Dr. Popkin is passionate about bridging the gap between mental health, medicine, and frontline experience, with a particular focus on the families of veterans and first responders. Her background includes residency training at The George Washington University, followed by a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Brown University.
Dr. Popkin offers a unique blend of medical, legal, and emotional insights that ensure that frontline families get the comprehensive care they need as they navigate the challenges and complexities that come with this unique lifestyle.
Caitlin Leavey
Caitlin Leavey’s mission to support the families of first responders and veterans is deeply personal. After losing her father, a lieutenant with the FDNY, during the September 11 attacks, Cait devoted her life to helping others navigate trauma and loss.
As a licensed mental health counselor, she specializes in trauma therapy, working with both children and adults. Caitlin is also affiliated with the Neurofeedback Advocacy Project and has extensive training in EMDR, a therapy used to help with the processing of trauma.
In addition to her work at Tunnel to Towers and You Gotta Believe!, she’s a clinical affiliate at the National Institute of Psychotherapy’s Integrative Trauma Program. Caitlin approaches her work with both empathy and expertise, offering a trauma-informed approach that empowers individuals and families.
Don’t Miss this Essential Event for Partners of Military Members and First Responders
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being the spouse or partner of a guardian, this event is for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with people who know what it’s like to walk a mile in your shoes and learn valuable skills that can improve your life and relationship
