PTSD-My Thoughts

PTSD is an injury to the soul. It runs deep and is often unseen.

You don’t recover from PTSD overnight. Healing may take years.

When you're suffering from PTSD, everything around you can trigger memories of the trauma. That’s why you feel the urge to escape—leave everything behind and search for new horizons. You may even walk away from the very place or role that gave you identity—like the career you love—just to escape the pain.

PTSD affects your ability to focus. It steals your joy in the simple things. You can’t see the forest for the trees. You make decisions just to escape your current reality and numb the pain. Sometimes, those decisions aren’t the best—because the wound reaches the mind. You’ve had your “bell rung,” and now you’re simply trying to survive.

Your emotions may feel like they’re spiraling out of control. A deep, uncontrollable rage creeps in and begins to steal your life. But that rage is rooted in something deeper: a crushing hopelessness and a painful loneliness—even among people who love you. Your anger isn’t toward others—it’s toward yourself. You know you are strong and capable, but you are deeply injured and can’t rescue yourself.

PTSD can bring suicidal thoughts. Everyday struggles feel like hits to the soul—like taking another punch in a boxing match when you're already staggering on your feet. Criticism or the feeling of letting others down only compounds your sense of failure. That’s why the intrusive thought of ending it all may seem like the only way to ease the pain.

For first responders, PTSD often doesn't stem from a single moment—it builds over time. But it can take just one event to push you over the edge. Remember, you’ve been a fighter—a warrior conditioned to withstand blows. But even the strongest fighter eventually gets knocked out or reaches a point where the strength to continue disappears.

Remember: PTSD is a deep soul wound—but you can recover.

In time, you may return to your calling—better, stronger, and wiser.

• Guard your wounds. Don’t keep stuffing your feelings away. Suppressing your emotions isn't a sign of strength—it’s a sign of injury.

• Vent your emotions in healthy ways. Use your superpower—the desire to serve—to focus outward. Surround your thoughts with good things.

• 
  

Philippians 4:8“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

• Surround yourself with uplifting music, laughter, and the people who love you.

• Your mission now is to recover your heart, mind, and soul—not to avoid life.

Always remember: most people won’t understand your trauma or the wounds you carry. These injuries are invisible. Even those closest to you may not truly grasp what you’re going through. Be gracious. Be wise. Don’t share your deepest struggles with those who can’t or won’t understand.

Matthew 7:6“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

• See life’s challenges not as another blow in the fight, but as a chance to shine.

• Lay down your burdens. Stop fighting. Begin healing. You cannot fix this with your first responder superpowers. You need to give it to God.

• 
  

Matthew 11:28“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

• Look for the opportunities God places before you.

• Always be ready to share your story with someone who needs it.

In time, you will recover—but you must work the plan and stay focused on the goal.

Put down the gloves.Stop treading water.Learn to surf.

Rise above the waves, not within them.

– Tom Mann

Executive Producer

EmergencyFD