Retired in October of 2020 after 36 years of government service (most in fire) with 21 of those years in dispatch. I knew I could not do the job any more and so did management. I took a few months of sick leave till I turned 62 and filed for social security and retirement. There was help from my employer while I still worked but after that there is nothing. Kind of feel alone now. I miss going to work, miss being in the fight, miss being with those who know what it is like. How does a person go from doing what we do to doing nothing? I will be ok its just I don't know what ok will look like yet. Ok done venting, thank you for bring this issue forward so others can understand.
See if there is any kind of volunteer work. Something that isn’t the same but allows you to hang out with the same like minded folks. My department has a program for retirees that are having trouble letting it go. I just injured myself at work and have been off for half a year, it honestly has been pretty nice and I have found myself enjoying more hobbies now.
I recently stopped working overtime from working 60+ hours every week of the year, and my wife referred to it as a “soft retirement” when I started dealing with a similar sentiment. Suddenly having all this free time with nothing to do and my mind still racing from the job, but nothing to put it towards. Exercise has been my best friend, walking constantly if nothing else. I’m also working to get more involved in my church, to have more of a community around me outside of work even if it’s not the same backgrounds who’d understand me. But obviously that’s what’s helped me, everyone’s a little bit different.
I am medically retired as of Feb 2021 from Law Enforcement due to PTSD. What she said about not having backup all of a sudden is SO TRUE....unfortunately as well as her statement about not having the support of her peers. So much stress piles up on top of what's already wreaking havoc on your mind.
I believe that together we can move mountains in the lives of First Responders, their Families and the communities they serve. This is a story that has just touched the surface of awareness, and as these amazing men and women begin to feel safe enough to step into the fear of asking for help, we will be ready with a safe environment for them to heal among their peers.
The harsh realities of what Police, Fire, EMS and Dispatchers deal with on a daily basis are sadly, captured so well in this short trailer. I am so proud to be a part of this project Conrad and can’t wait to see the film once it’s complete. It is my hope that the video/project will help push this topic to the forefront in terms of awareness, recognition, acceptance, and assistance! It is long overdue...
The key right there… Seeking help and not losing our careers in the process. Damned if we do, damned if we don’t. Currently help another first responder family member in mental health crisis.
Thank you for this important work! I have been studying the pervasive impact of PTSD on corrections officers as well. These people who are doing such essential work for all of society need their trauma to be acknowledged and their healing journeys facilitated. I am excited to see the ways in which this documentary can raise awareness and bring a change.
I just have to say one thing. If you’re LE or a first responder and have PTSD, think you have PTSD, or “things just aren’t right” with you. Know this. You can recover. I know! I know first hand what it’s like. Hell reach out to me, I can help you start the journey to being happy again. One cop to another it’s a long road to recovery but it can be done.
Retired in October of 2020 after 36 years of government service (most in fire) with 21 of those years in dispatch. I knew I could not do the job any more and so did management. I took a few months of sick leave till I turned 62 and filed for social security and retirement. There was help from my employer while I still worked but after that there is nothing. Kind of feel alone now. I miss going to work, miss being in the fight, miss being with those who know what it is like. How does a person go from doing what we do to doing nothing? I will be ok its just I don't know what ok will look like yet. Ok done venting, thank you for bring this issue forward so others can understand.
See if there is any kind of volunteer work. Something that isn’t the same but allows you to hang out with the same like minded folks. My department has a program for retirees that are having trouble letting it go. I just injured myself at work and have been off for half a year, it honestly has been pretty nice and I have found myself enjoying more hobbies now.
I recently stopped working overtime from working 60+ hours every week of the year, and my wife referred to it as a “soft retirement” when I started dealing with a similar sentiment. Suddenly having all this free time with nothing to do and my mind still racing from the job, but nothing to put it towards. Exercise has been my best friend, walking constantly if nothing else. I’m also working to get more involved in my church, to have more of a community around me outside of work even if it’s not the same backgrounds who’d understand me. But obviously that’s what’s helped me, everyone’s a little bit different.
Thank you 🙏 for what you are doing. I have been working in EMS for 14 years and the past two years I have realized I am not ok anymore.
HI Kathleen, thanks for your feedback. If you need help, I can point you in the right direction.
I am medically retired as of Feb 2021 from Law Enforcement due to PTSD. What she said about not having backup all of a sudden is SO TRUE....unfortunately as well as her statement about not having the support of her peers. So much stress piles up on top of what's already wreaking havoc on your mind.
I believe that together we can move mountains in the lives of First Responders, their Families and the communities they serve. This is a story that has just touched the surface of awareness, and as these amazing men and women begin to feel safe enough to step into the fear of asking for help, we will be ready with a safe environment for them to heal among their peers.
The harsh realities of what Police, Fire, EMS and Dispatchers deal with on a daily basis are sadly, captured so well in this short trailer. I am so proud to be a part of this project Conrad and can’t wait to see the film once it’s complete. It is my hope that the video/project will help push this topic to the forefront in terms of awareness, recognition, acceptance, and assistance! It is long overdue...
The key right there… Seeking help and not losing our careers in the process. Damned if we do, damned if we don’t. Currently help another first responder family member in mental health crisis.
Thank you for this important work! I have been studying the pervasive impact of PTSD on corrections officers as well. These people who are doing such essential work for all of society need their trauma to be acknowledged and their healing journeys facilitated. I am excited to see the ways in which this documentary can raise awareness and bring a change.
Thank you!
Looking forward to watching this excellent doc impact the way people view emergency responders!
Amazing project! So very much needed!
This documentary needs to happen.
Its available for purchase here: ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
I just have to say one thing. If you’re LE or a first responder and have PTSD, think you have PTSD, or “things just aren’t right” with you. Know this. You can recover. I know! I know first hand what it’s like. Hell reach out to me, I can help you start the journey to being happy again. One cop to another it’s a long road to recovery but it can be done.