Kevin
Kevin
Don’t let things get out of control, seek help early
The day-in-day-out stress and danger involved in helping those in need can take a heavy toll on first responders. So, it’s no surprise that emergency medical technicians (EMTs) like Kevin face mental health challenges.
I was an EMT for five years. I started drinking when bad calls would get to me. I had nightmares, sometimes remembering things by smells or noises.
The stress of the job led Kevin to experience anxiety attacks.
I used drinking to calm them. As my anxiety worsened, so did my drinking.
He started to miss work because of his anxiety attacks. Then, in 2015, everything came to a head when he nearly died after an episode of heavy drinking. The more time passed, the more his drinking and anxiety increased.
Although he knew he needed help, he was reluctant to reach out.
The worse I got, the more afraid I was of seeking help. I was convinced that if I went for help, I’d receive a ‘section 12.’ That’s when your doctor determines that you’re a danger to yourself or others.
Being an EMT, I sometimes took individuals from the hospital to a psych facility. It’s a common-enough situation, so going to a hospital with mental problems scared me away. I did not want friends or coworkers seeing me like that.
“I want to spread awareness for first responders on how the job can get to you. I want to tell people, ‘Don’t let things get out of control. Seek help early.’”
Finally, Kevin realized he couldn’t continue to live in fear. He took steps to address his anxiety and his drinking problems as well as his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injury.
Today, he takes medication and sees a psychiatrist every week. With the support of his family and friends, he is getting back on his feet.
He wants other first responders to know that help for job-related health problems is available—and necessary. By sharing his experiences, he wants to help the ones who are going through similar battles.
I want to spread awareness for first responders on how the job can get to you. I want to tell people, ‘Don’t let things get out of control. Seek help early.’
