Evett’s Story

My husband worked as a paramedic for 16 years. During the last 4 years of service it was becoming apparent he could no longer handle the job. He was offered limited counseling but decided to leave in 2004. PTSD was not something we were familliar with at that time.. so we sought counseling for depression,anger management and ultimately - marriage counseling. We received further counseling through my employers insurance but the therapists came to hone in only on the relationship therapy believing that he was just an A type personality with anger issues.  He felt alone, frustrated and blamed himself.  He stopped going to counseling.  He tried to acquire jobs and live a normal life by just "sucking it up". All he knew however was medicine. The stress and pressure and his ability to handle those tasks either forced him to quit or got him fired. The symptoms became worse - paranoia and panic attacks, physical symptoms and debilitating sadness.  Recently he made contact with an old friend from his days in EMS.  They chatted and the friend mentioned that he had been diagnosed with PTSD.  When he described the symptoms... my husband found them to be very simillar to what he was feeling. The friend advised him to seek the advise of a therapist that specializes in PTSD. We hesitated because that has always been associated with combat vets. He certainly hadn't been through war and couldn't relate to the support groups that were advised.  We have been able to get some help.. but without a second income we cannot get all that he needs. Medication AND talk therapy.

Please include Police, Fire and EMS on this site. Let them know that help is not just for the war veteran. Our heros are home based as well..... they fight a daily fight on our soil with the same lasting effects. They need to know that there is help specifically for them as well.