Any emergency workers out there suffering?

[Pippy187]

Hello, I'm Robert. I've been a paramedic for a number of years now and have seen some pretty horrible things and it wasn't til recent my therapist and I have been talking about PTSD.  I was wondering if there are any emergency or military folks out there who could give me some insight? Thanks 

[Aussiemix]

Hi, I'm a police officer of 22 years and recently had a nervous breakdown in oct last year, I was involved in a shooting in 1999 (i shot and killed an offender) and lots of the usual things, fatal accidents etc. however I don't think my breakdown was PTSD , I do believe that all the usual stress emergency services people carry make it easier for everyday events to overwhelm you, mine was related to my kids (don't we all worry about them!), so,perhaps our baseline anxiety is higher, and over time our resistance is lowered ( surprising how many people come and tell you when they had their "moment" after I tell them why I've been off work).  And don't let anyone label you, the dept clin psyc focused in on the shooting and refused to believe anything else could have caused it.

All the best Robert, hope things work out.

[Pippy187]

Thanks for the reply. I thnk emergency services as a whole be it ems, police, fire make a recipe for this.... Long shifts, rotating hours, and not taking into account all the things we see.  I think due to the bravo of most people in our field it is taboo to have "mental issues".... Since I had my breakdown I have been called soft by some but I don't let it bother me... I have good support from family n friends.

[consulate]

God I think that is the worst b/c it often includes lack of sleep, vigilance, and worry and maybe sights that are "hard to see".
I wish i could undo all of these symptoms from PTSD sufferers.   It's hard not to feel like a broken piece of merchandise. 

[katiimae]

I have a friend who is a firefighter and an emt. He has PSTD. Just hit him out of the blue one day.