Feb 28, 2025
In this episode of the Tactical
Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton
dive into the heavy burden many first responders carry—the
expectation to always be the strong one in their
families (Amazon Affiliate).
As a first responder, you’re often seen as the rock, the one who
handles stress, keeps it together, and supports everyone else. But
what happens when you need support yourself? The pressure to always
be "tough" can lead to emotional suppression, burnout, and
isolation.
In this episode, you’ll learn how this dynamic plays out, three
common examples of the unspoken pressure first responders face, and
three actionable ways to balance strength with vulnerability so you
can be there for your family without sacrificing your own mental
and emotional health.
1. The Reality of Always Being the ‘Strong One’
Understand how first responders are often seen as the
problem-solvers, fixers, and protectors in their families—sometimes
at the expense of their own well-being.
2. Three Common Examples of This Unspoken Pressure:
1. Handling Everyone Else’s Problems, But Never Your Own
Example: Family members turn to you whenever there’s a
crisis—whether it’s a financial issue, a tough decision, or an
emotional struggle. They expect you to have all the answers.
Why It’s a Problem: It leaves no room for you to express your own
struggles because you’re always in “fixer” mode.
2. Hiding Your Own Stress to ‘Protect’ Others
Example: After a tough shift, you downplay your stress at home
because you don’t want to worry your spouse or kids. Instead, you
keep it inside and try to deal with it alone.
Why It’s a Problem: Suppressing emotions leads to burnout,
irritability, and emotional disconnection from your family.
3. Feeling Like You Can’t Ask for Help
Example: You struggle with stress, anxiety, or trauma, but the idea
of reaching out for help feels like a weakness.
Why It’s a Problem: You risk developing unhealthy coping mechanisms
and pushing people away when you need them most.
3. Three Ways to Overcome This Pressure and Find Balance:
1. Shift Your Mindset: Strength and Vulnerability Can Coexist
Solution: Recognize that asking for help is not a sign of
weakness—it’s a sign of strength.
How to Do It:
Be honest with your family when you’re having a rough day.
If you’re feeling stressed, say it instead of pretending everything
is fine.
Understand that your family doesn’t need you to be perfect—they
need you to be real.
Why It’s Beneficial: Helps reduce emotional exhaustion and
strengthens relationships through genuine connection.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries Around Emotional Labor
Solution: You can’t fix every problem for every person in your
life—and that’s okay.
How to Do It:
Instead of taking on everyone’s problems, practice listening
without always trying to solve.
Make sure you have your own outlets for stress relief—whether
that’s a peer support group, therapy, or faith-based
counseling.
Why It’s Beneficial: Prevents emotional burnout and allows you to
prioritize your own mental health.
3. Build a Support System That
Supports You, Too
Solution: Just like you support your family, you need people who
support you.
How to Do It:
Find trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues who understand your
struggles.
If your spouse is your go-to person, allow them to step in and
support you emotionally.
Seek professional guidance when needed.
Why It’s Beneficial: Keeps you from feeling isolated and ensures
you don’t carry everything alone.
4. Why This Matters:
Being the "strong one" in your family is an incredible honor and
responsibility, but it doesn’t mean you have to suppress your
emotions or carry the burden alone. By shifting your mindset,
setting boundaries, and creating a real support system, you can
maintain both strength and emotional well-being.
Listen now to learn how to be the rock your family needs—without
sacrificing your own mental health. 🎙️🔥
Secure your firearm with my buy one get one free affiliate code from STOPBOX http://stopboxusa.com/LEOWARRIORS
All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment
purposes only and are simply our opinions based off of our own
experience, background and education.
Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send Ashlie Walton a message
on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1594754484675x841981803913560400
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