“First responders are like anyone else and are equally susceptible to mental injuries. We don’t get PTSD from attending east and fuzzy calls; it’s the tough, inhuman, tragic alls that leave the residue of mental injury. This certainly doesn’t make us weak and it doesn’t mean we can’t do our jobs.

A full bucket of water might spill a bit, but its still functioning as a bucket. The problem is that a full bucket gets heavier the longer you carry it…until you drop it.    I think the trick it to empty, or at least get rid of, some of that water – and it takes help to do that. Luckily for most of us help is there, we just need to ask for it”.

Daniel Sundahl

The Wounded Healers silver round series is intended to help create awareness and continued conversation about the challenges that first responders and medical professionals face. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and mental stress injuries effect many first responders. Many suffer in silence and some unfortunately, turn to suicide.