STS Podcast - Behind the Headset: The Hidden Weight 911 Operators Carry

When you dial 911, someone on the other end answers with calm, care, and urgency. But what happens to them after they hang up? In this episode, we talk with Lead Communications Officer/Certified Peer Support Counselor and Henry County's E-911 Leader, Rashawn Brown, about the emotional toll of being “first on the line” and why the mental health of dispatchers and first responders can’t be an afterthought. Together, Shanti and Rashawn explore 1. The emotional toll of helping and what cumulative trauma really looks like 2. A message for 911 operators and dispatchers: you matter, your feelings are valid 3. Why “charging your own battery first” isn’t selfish—it’s essential 4. How first responders can start therapy and what to look for in the right therapist 5. The power of peer support and community when you’re burned out or overwhelmed 🧠 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or call/text your local crisis line. CALL | TEXT | CHAT 988 in the U.S. 🔔 Subscribe to Silence the Shame for more real conversations on mental health, healing, and hope. 👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us break the silence and end the stigma—especially for first responder families. 📌 Follow Silence the Shame: Instagram: @silencetheshame LinkedIn: Silence the Shame Facebook: Silence the Shame Website: www.silencetheshame.com