The Burnout Escape: With AK Dozanti

After The Tones Drop

Okay, folks, strap in. We've got AK Dozanti on the show, a former Deputy Sheriff turned First Responder Coach & Specialist. AK's been through the ringer—burnout, depression, PTSD, adrenal fatigue—you name it. Now she's on a mission to help first responders not just cope with chronic stress but actually prevent burnout. That's right, PREVENT it.

AK's done it all. She’s been a Deputy, a Criminal Court Victim Advocate, and even a yoga instructor. Yeah, yoga. Because first responders need something to chill them out after dealing with the world's chaos every day. So, AK created the Life Saver Academy, a coaching and training program designed to help first responders regulate their nervous systems. Because let's face it, these guys are wound up tighter than a drum most of the time.

In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation. AK opens up about her personal experiences and gives us a peek into the wild ride of adrenaline addiction. You know, that rush you get when you're saving lives or chasing bad guys. It's like a drug, and it's easy to get hooked. But what happens when it's time to leave? How do you adjust to life without the uniform?

We also dig into the whole ADHD and PTSD thing. Is ADHD just a fancy name for trauma response? We don't know, but AK and the hosts discuss some things to make you go "hmmmm." They discuss the overlapping symptoms and how important it is to recognize trauma when it shows up, not sweep it under the rug.

And let's not forget about self-care. Yeah, I know it sounds like a buzzword, but when you're running on fumes and your nerves are fried, you gotta do something. AK talks about creating a safe space for first responders to share their experiences, and she’s got some killer tips for keeping your cool when everything's falling apart.

We wrap things up by talking about post-traumatic growth and how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can shape you. AK's story is one of hope, with plenty of advice for anyone dealing with mental health issues in the high-pressure world of first responders.

So, if you want to hear about surviving the chaos and finding your way back, you won't want to miss this one. Tune in and get some real talk about what it's like on the front lines.
Contact AK for coaching, speaking or Life Saver Academy by visiting: https://akdozanti.com/
Instagram post mentioned on this episode.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

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• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
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