Firefighter here. Diagnosed with ptsd, depression, anxiety, and compassion fatigue about a year and a half ago. I was managing as best as possible with therapy and hard work. I was very against medication for myself. I had suffered debilitating symptoms for 2+ years. It got to the point where I...
Welcome. I am new here as well. And I can relate to you on so many levels. I have childhood trauma that was a precursor to my adult ptsd. I am a medic and a firefighter for a career department. I have been betrayed in my younger years by people I trusted and was devastated. I turned to...
I think that making the decision to start forcing the let go is a good place to start. Nothing but time, and change of perspective, can truly make a dent in the process. I have found that the thoughts and actions of others, including, but not limited to isolation, can have devastating effects...
You are absolutely right. I think that the traditions of hardening our people and bastardizing those that seek help are slowly fading out. If the people on the street keep fighting for transparency and support, admin will shift. And, people are starting to demand more from EAP and each other...
I think that it is imperative that more firefighters and paramedics take ownership in the mental health of our ranks as a whole. It starts with a few people, here and there, reaching out. Thank you for your reply and sharing a little bit of your own struggles. I hope you are able to find a way...
Thank you for your words. I think that the powerlessness is something that is a great contributor to the grief and rage. It is through spaces like this, that progress happens. And, I am hopeful. As long as any of us still have hope, I feel that we are not lost.
The connection dispatch has with fire/ems/police is very close. We are your resources on the street. You are given a problem to solve, and you dispatch us accordingly. We are yours and you are ours. You hear us in distress. You hear civilians in a panic. You hear silence louder than...
I am a paramedic and a career firefighter. It took years of failed attempts, poverty, and bouts of homelessness before I found this path. And, when I did, I couldn't stop my desire to learn more and grow. When I took my oath and had my badge pinned on my chest, I was overcome with pride and...