By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
Trauma. If you’re lucky, it’s something that you will never have to face.
The human mind is not equipped to handle trauma, and those that do face it can face a myriad of symptoms ranging from nightmares, jumping at loud noises, or a descent into substance abuse.
Most people in their lives won’t have to deal with severe trauma at all in their lives.
For others, trauma becomes a part of their daily lives, leaving them at risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I used to work as an Emergency Medical Technician, and it was a job I loved.
Unfortunately, due to my diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, which I’ve discussed previously, I was left at a higher risk of susceptibility of developing Post-Traumatic Stress.
In the spring of 2013, the Post-Traumatic Stress fully manifested itself, and I found myself sidelined from work.
The Post-Traumatic Stress didn’t just magically appear in full manifestation.
It slowly developed over the years I did the job, and I did such a good job of “dealing” with it that no one around me noticed the little signs that indicated things were getting to be too much.
No one noticed, until the waves of emotions came flooding out of me, and I ended up going off sick.
I worked with my therapist for a few months, started volunteering at the hospital, and started getting myself back into shape so I could get back to work.
I returned to work on a four-day trial run in the fall of 2013, nearly six months after I had been forced off sick.
Two-and-a-half days into the four-day trial my symptoms, which had been greatly reduced over the previous couple of months, came flooding back.
I ended up leaving the job, and that career at that point.
Things have stabilized somewhat for me in the last few years, though I still struggle at times.
How can someone not struggle, when the reminders of humanity at its worst are burned into your mind. The fact is, the struggles don’t define me, they are part of me.
But I have been successful in getting help for them.
Many first responders aren’t so lucky.
In statistics released by the National Centre for Suicide Prevention, two per cent of the Canadian population is likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress, a statistically small number especially compared to the 22 per cent of first responders estimated to develop the illness.
In fact, it’s estimated that first responders of all walks may develop Post-Traumatic-Stress at a rate double that of the rate of the average population.
Many first responders go undiagnosed, until it’s too late, and a large number attempt suicide.
There are no official statistics kept in Canada on how many first responders are lost to suicide, however losing one is too many.
Yet, the headlines keep appearing telling the public that another first responder has lost their battle with depression.
The fact is, it doesn’t matter whether the individual is in the military, working on the ambulance, fire department, or the police, the sights that are seen on a daily basis are something that no one should have to see.
So, as friends, family and even the general public, what can we do to help those that help us?
First and foremost, be there.
Reach out. Ask questions. Let them know that they are not alone. Sometimes letting someone vent is all that is needed.
Other times, professional help is required. Either way, be there, and be supportive.
If you or someone you care about is at risk of suicide, the provincial suicide help line can be reached at 1-877-303-2642, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Other resources for help are your family doctor, or Stettler Mental Health, which can be reached at 403-743-2000.