Today is PTSD Awareness Day 2019. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or events.
Omaha Firefighter Donnie Dodge was reading an article about PTSD in early 2019 expecting to take away a piece of knowledge to help his friends. But here is what Donny says he found. “I found just the opposite. What I found was an article that was all about me. I had every one of the signs. That sparked my realization that I needed professional assistance. I did the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I asked for help. I admitted that I could not fix what was wrong with me without help.
The First Responders Foundation FRST Team (First Responders Support Team) supports the emotional and mental well-being of First Responders and their families. FRST Programs are available for ALL First Responders (paid and volunteer) and all services are confidential.
If you would like to speak to a member of the FRST Team or would like more information regarding FRST, contact the team at FRST@firstrespondersomaha.org, call 402-218-1218, or visit FRST.
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it’s a sign of strength. To read more about Donnie’s story and how the First Responders Foundation helped him click here.
To read the article that Donnie was reading, click here.