INTRODUCTION First responders—firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and dispatchers—face unparalleled occupational stressors that elevate risks for mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout. The 2025 Iowa First Responder Wellness Conference, organized by the Peer Support Foundation, convened over 200 professionals at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Des Moines, Iowa,…

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), such as Dungeons & Dragons, have emerged as innovative tools in mental health interventions, particularly for veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These games foster collaborative storytelling, problem-solving, and social interaction in a low-stakes, imaginative environment, allowing participants to explore identities and narratives separate from their trauma. A 2025…

Overview The COVID-19 pandemic pushed healthcare professionals to their limits, leaving many physicians grappling with burnout—feelings of exhaustion, disconnection, and reduced passion for their work. But there’s good news: recent data from the Mayo Clinic shows burnout rates are starting to ease. Even so, the challenge isn’t over, with over 40% of doctors still…

INTRODUCTION In recent years, gamified approaches have gained traction in mental health care, leveraging engaging narratives and interactive elements to facilitate therapeutic progress. Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), such as Dungeons & Dragons, involve collaborative storytelling where participants create characters, navigate scenarios, and make decisions in a shared fictional world guided by a game master.…

Introduction Healing from trauma can feel like stepping into an epic story—full of challenges, growth, and triumph. For veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers who face intense experiences, PTSD can cast a long shadow. Yet, awareness is growing, and so are innovative ways to help. June’s PTSD Awareness Month, highlighted by National PTSD Awareness…