Alex Sherwood, Firefighter | Stories of Recovery- First Responders

Alex Sherwood (Firefighter, British Columbia) shares his experience of living in recovery with mental illness incited by a particularly difficult call. To view mental health resources for first responders, click here: www.mentalheal...
First Responders form a unique and resilient workforce, able to cope with some of society’s most complex and critical situations. However, this can present troubling challenges for their mental health. This educational video showcases stories of individual first responders living in recovery with mental illness.
To view more stories, click here: / playlistlist=pl2nuapxp... .

[@shelbyesters5732]

This has been my life for 6 years. Broke down crying today for no reason. It's heavy carrying this every day.

[@BryanMariani]

Brother - have you gotten help?

[@fly_fishing_calivideos7580]

We’re here brother reach out ! Don’t give up ! Call someone ! Love you man ❤

[@shelbyesters5732]

Thanks gentlemen. I'm still hanging in there. Alot of nightmares still, nerves are shot somedays. Tried anti depressants and it just made it worse. Couldn't show any emotion and it's still there. Just taking it day by day with strength from the good lord. I know I'm not the only firefighter/emt dealing with this daily

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Are you in therapy? I know that Mental Health resources can be difficult to access for variety of reasons but I really hope that you're not still coping with PTSD by yourself. Anyone here. In any occupation, or just even personal events, PTSD is not some thing that you are usually gonna be able to fix without intervention. Do the thing. Do it before a drugs you so deep that you can't crawl out.

[@missbell1634]

Sending love and good vibes your way❤️

[@user-on4qq7wk9w]

I love where he speaks about what works for him as therapy. For years the gym was my second home and now not so much. I love being at home with my cat and family and just reading ! I am happy to feel healed and see others healing too

[@cadavher]

I wish they held a seminar yearly, across Canada, and made it Mandatory for all First Responders to attend. These are SO important.

[@mitchc5538]

Thank you. Ive been a medic 6 months and can totally understand what hes saying. Its an accumulative effect where stressful calls just pile up till the cup becomes full. Its like chinease water torture just one drop at a time so suttle you barley notice it untill the day you do. Im Thankful that ive got a life outside of ems and many hobbies that motivate me to keep going

[@gbaca07]

Thanks for sharing. I wish you well

[@davidsearle483]

34 years with Halifax Fire on the trucks the entire time.I have hundreds of self contained boxes in my mind.

[@scottfranson4215]

@Cadavfer. You have a Awesome Comment , I hope the right people see it . There is such a vacant hole that needs to be addressed

[@Wings91]

Brave man, handshake to you.

[@blueresilience7984]

I like your videos. However, what you are missing is these firefighters talking about "how" they healed. What were the resources they were able to navigate toward? What protective and promotive factors were in their life?

[@engineco.1494]

Its about distraction imo your not going to forget it , part of the job we carry a heavy load in our minds not just on the fireground.

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

@@engineco.1494 well said.