There are so many groups of people with #PTSD forgotten about, that until we are able to mention PTSD to someone without hearing the word “veteran” from the listener, we need to keep reminding people there are many more survivors of other causes. This is an ever expanding club no one wants to join and even fewer will admit they joined it.
The stigma is as alive as it has ever been, but every once in a while, we find reports about people with PTSD and unashamed of it. For whatever posts I put up this month, I want them to be a reflection of them. (Working on another book and time is limited.)
Today is a good day to focus on firefighters. This one is out of California.
California’s firefighting agency has been slow to react to a mounting mental health crisis within its ranks as firefighters around the state say Cal Fire has failed to get them what they need — including a sustainable workload, easier access to workers’ comp benefits and more counselors.
While climate change is driving enduring drought and ferocious firesravaging California, nature can’t be blamed for all of Cal Fire’s problems:The state’s fire service, which prides itself in quickly putting out wildfires, has failed to extinguish a smoldering mental health problem among its ranks.
Many firefighters told CalMatters they are fatigued and overwhelmed, describing an epidemic of post-traumatic stress in their fire stations. Veterans say they are contemplating leaving the service, which would deplete the agency of their decades of experience. Some opened up about their suicidal thoughts, while others — an unknown number since Cal Fire doesn’t track it — already have taken their own lives.
Local Coast Post
#BreakingTheSilence is like smashing the glass on an emergency call device. When you need help, if no one knows you do, you’re screwed. You know you can’t take care of the situation all by yourself, so you have no problem pushing a button to get help as soon as possible. So, maybe you’re having a head smack moment right now because, dah, asking for help with this emergency is the same thing!
Plus think of it this way. If one of the other firefighters was in danger or trapped, you’d risk your own life to save him/her. Right? So what’s stopping you from talking to them and letting them know you’ve had problems too and you’ll understand whatever it is they need help with?
This video may make some sense, plus it is entertaining too!
