Survive First

Survive First Survive First is dedicated to spreading awareness about the mental health issues that impact many first responders.

Survive First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping first responders and their families who are in need of mental health support, from the impact of PTSD, depression, and substance abuse.

What a great three days at the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference! Our hearts are certainly full.The conver...
06/02/2026

What a great three days at the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference! Our hearts are certainly full.

The conversations we had throughout the conference were impactful, meaningful, and often deeply personal. We had the privilege of connecting with so many dedicated individuals who shared their stories, experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. These are the moments that remind us why genuine connection matters.

We were also honored to participate in a panel discussion on The Cost of Courage, where we discussed the realities faced by those who serve others, the sacrifices made behind the scenes, and the importance of supporting mental health and resilience along the way.

And, of course, we were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with so many good friends sharing laughs, encouragement, and the kind of fellowship that recharges the soul.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us over these past few days. We leave inspired, encouraged, and more committed than ever to continuing the mission of supporting first responders and their families.

Safe travels to all! Until next time!

June is PTSD Awareness Month PTSD can affect anyone, but it can be especially common among first responders, veterans, a...
06/01/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month

PTSD can affect anyone, but it can be especially common among first responders, veterans, and others who have experienced trauma. This month, we recognize the strength it takes to face the invisible wounds of trauma and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone.

Awareness starts with understanding. Healing starts with connection. Let’s continue the conversation, reduce the stigma, and support those impacted by PTSD with compassion, hope, and understanding.

Our team is in Fort Lauderdale this week, for the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference, and we are thrilled th...
05/31/2026

Our team is in Fort Lauderdale this week, for the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference, and we are thrilled they’ve found some of our good friends for a little downtime before things get started in just about an hour!

Wishing everyone a great conference!

Wellness is often what people see on the outside…exercise, nutrition, movement, and healthy habits. But mental health is...
05/28/2026

Wellness is often what people see on the outside…exercise, nutrition, movement, and healthy habits. But mental health is the foundation underneath it all.

Earlier this week, we talked about wellness. Today, let’s remember that true wellness also means taking care of your mind. You can eat healthy, stay active, and still be struggling silently with stress, anxiety, burnout, or emotional exhaustion.

Mental health care can look like:
• Taking a break when you need one
• Talking to someone you trust
• Setting healthy boundaries
• Practicing mindfulness
• Getting quality sleep
• Allowing yourself time to recover emotionally

Your mind and body work together. When one suffers, the other often follows. Taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, is part of building a healthier, stronger, more resilient life.

Wellness. Don’t make it a “buzz word”.Here’s the deal. Wellness doesn’t just happen because we talk about it. It take...
05/26/2026

Wellness. Don’t make it a “buzz word”.

Here’s the deal. Wellness doesn’t just happen because we talk about it. It takes intention and being mindful about what YOU are dealing with and how YOU are focusing on yourself.

True wellness is not about perfection, expensive trends, or having it all figured out. It’s about the small choices we make every day that help us feel stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Getting outside.
Taking a walk.
Drinking more water.
Pausing to breathe before reacting.
Choosing rest when your body needs it.

Small choices really do create big change over time. Especially for first responders and families carrying the weight of so much.

Wellness is not a trend. It’s a commitment to taking care of yourself so you can continue showing up for the people who count on you most.

Let us know how you are shaping your own wellness routine in the comments below!

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their cou...
05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

Join us next week at the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale!Stop by Booth #302 and learn...
05/25/2026

Join us next week at the FBI-LEEDA Annual Executive Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale!

Stop by Booth #302 and learn how Survive First is helping agencies across the country strengthen the mental wellness, resilience, and overall well-being of their first responders. From peer support and treatment funding to our HOPE Seminar and community events, we are committed to helping departments build healthier and stronger teams.

We’d love the opportunity to connect, share our mission, and discuss how we can support your agency and the men and women who serve your community every day. So stop by and let’s chat!

Together we make a difference. Together we save lives.

Mindfulness is where wellness begins.Before we can care for our mental health and overall wellness, we have to slow down...
05/24/2026

Mindfulness is where wellness begins.
Before we can care for our mental health and overall wellness, we have to slow down enough to recognize what we’re carrying, how we’re feeling, and what we truly need. Being present helps us respond to stress with intention instead of simply reacting to it.

Three simple ways to practice mindfulness today:

• Take 60 seconds to focus only on your breathing.
• Put your phone down and fully engage in one conversation.
• Step outside, notice your surroundings, and ground yourself in the moment.

Small moments of mindfulness can create lasting change in your overall wellness.

This week, Raul Rivas led the weeklong Stress Management Techniques course at Daytona State College for Central Florida ...
05/23/2026

This week, Raul Rivas led the weeklong Stress Management Techniques course at Daytona State College for Central Florida law enforcement officers.

On Tuesday, Karen Monda had the opportunity to join the class to speak about resilience in relationships, the importance of maintaining strong personal connections while navigating the stress that comes with a career in law enforcement, and all that Survive First is doing to support our nation’s first responders.

The officers attending leaned in to have meaningful conversations about wellness, communication, and the realities of balancing the demands of the job with family life and personal well-being. These discussions are so important in helping first responders build healthier foundations both at work and at home.

Thank you to Raul for continuing to create space for these critical conversations and for inviting Survive First to be a part of it.

Together, we make a difference.
Together, we save lives.

Too often, we get stuck replaying the worst moments, the hardest calls, the mistakes, the stress, or the things we canno...
05/22/2026

Too often, we get stuck replaying the worst moments, the hardest calls, the mistakes, the stress, or the things we cannot control. But what we focus on grows.

There is still good around you.
Good people. Good moments. Good progress. Good purpose.

Choosing to look for the good does not mean ignoring reality. It means refusing to let the bad define your mindset, your future, or your worth.

Train your mind to notice the victories, no matter how small. Sometimes resilience starts with a simple shift in perspective.

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Cocoa Beach, FL
32932

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