When your loved one experiences a critical event (either directly or through knowledge of an event that is meaningful to them), it is likely that you will also share the experience in
some way.
We know that you, as a family member, are often the primary support for your first responder loved one. The ripple effect that a critical event can have on a family unit may mean that you not only notice the impact on your loved one, but also on yourself and any children in the family.
This may look like changes in mood, changes in behaviour or how you function, or nuanced changes that you can’t quite put your finger on but that can be impactful, nonetheless. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone reacts to a critical event differently, and there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to feel.
It is very normal to experience a range of physical and emotional impacts following a critical event, which often subside within a few weeks. Any ongoing challenges can also
be addressed with additional support.
Understanding – and even preparing for – the way in which a critical event may impact your loved one and the family unit can be helpful in reducing the size of the impact and the chance of experiencing ongoing challenges.
Download this resource to read more.