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Overcoming PTSD and the 'Suck It Up' Mentality
Jul 22, 2024
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.
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Full transcript