Overcoming PTSD and the 'Suck It Up' Mentality

Introduction

• Speaker: Paramedic with 24 years of experience.
• Commonly told to 'suck it up' and 'get over it' in the profession.
• The speaker has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and wants to share his story and raise awareness.

Problems with 'Suck It Up'

• 'Suck it up' and 'man up' rhetoric doesn't work, makes PTSD worse.
• PTSD is a debilitating disease, not something that can be willed away.
• Common misconception that only big traumatic events cause PTSD. Smaller, day-to-day traumas accumulate and have significant impact.

EMS and PTSD

• EMS often overlooked compared to police and firefighters.
• Public perception often reduced EMS workers to mere 'ambulance drivers'.
• Daily exposure to trauma—infants in cardiac arrest, elderly people dying—contributes to mental health issues.
• Successes in EMS are hidden, while failures are public.

Personal Story

• Speaker's burnout and struggles working two full-time EMS jobs.
• Incident of treating a suicidal patient poorly brought awakening.
• Realization from a friend that the speaker was in trouble and needed help.
• Forced vacation by bosses due to concerns from colleagues raised self-awareness.
• Initial therapy attempts failed due to resistance to confronting emotions.

Destructive Behaviors

• Speaker fell into a pattern of excessive work (110 hours a week) and heavy drinking.
• Personal crisis triggered by a call reawakening childhood abuse memories.
• Moment of near-suicide interrupted by a friend's phone call.

Turning Point

• Significant change came with the birth of his daughter—another moment of near-suicide interrupted by her cries.
• Decision to seriously seek therapy and get better.
• Effective therapy addressed childhood trauma and its impact on adult life.

Recovery

• Lost 140 pounds, quit destructive habits, embraced therapy and self-reflection.
• Emphasizes importance of showing emotion and seeking help.
• Encourages others to check on friends, make calls, send texts—small gestures can save lives.
• Open about the fact that it's okay to not be okay.

Conclusion

• Commitment to helping others in similar situations, available anytime to talk.
• 'Suck it up' mentality is harmful; encourages open dialogue and support.
• Gratitude for being listened to, highlighting the importance of the topic.