Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 18, 2025
Under the Shield Redefines PTSD as Injury, Not Disorder for First Responders
TLDR
- Under the Shield offers First Responders a competitive edge through proactive mental wellness services that enhance resilience and performance under pressure.
- Under the Shield uses the Simons Theory to reframe PTSD as an injury, providing individualized stress coaching and resilience training through anonymous methods.
- Under the Shield reduces stigma around mental health for First Responders, fostering healing and stronger support systems for their families and communities.
- Susan Simons' Psychological Garbage Can theory transforms how we view trauma, making recovery accessible and stigma-free for heroic First Responders.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it addresses the critical mental health crisis among first responders, who face disproportionately high rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide due to their traumatic work environments. By reframing PTSD as an injury rather than a disorder, Under the Shield's approach reduces stigma and encourages more responders to seek help, potentially saving lives and preserving families. The recognition of this innovative model through platforms like Innovators' Journey and Marquis Who's Who validates its importance and could lead to broader adoption of similar mental health frameworks across emergency services nationwide, ultimately creating safer and healthier communities by supporting those who protect us.
Summary
Susan Lewis Simons, Founder and President of Under the Shield, Inc., was recently featured on Innovators' Journey to discuss her organization's pioneering work in mental wellness for First Responders and their families. Founded in 1992, this nonprofit provides proactive, anonymous mental health services to law enforcement officers, firefighters, military members, and their loved ones through individualized Stress Coaching and resilience training programs designed to support both responders and their spouses or significant others.
The core innovation driving Under the Shield's approach is The Simons Theory of the Psychological Garbage Can, developed by Ms. Simons herself. This groundbreaking model reframes Post-Traumatic Stress not as a disorder but as an injury resulting from the unique lifestyle demands of First Responders. By introducing this perspective, the organization helps eliminate stigma around seeking mental health support and empowers individuals to recognize that healing and recovery are achievable outcomes. You can watch the segment here to gain deeper insights into their transformative work.
The recognition by Marquis Who's Who, which has chronicled accomplished individuals since 1899 through publications like Who's Who in America, highlights the significance of Simons' contributions to mental health innovation. This exposure on their official Marquis Who's Who website brings valuable attention to the critical need for specialized mental wellness support for those who protect and serve our communities.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Under the Shield Redefines PTSD as Injury, Not Disorder for First Responders
