Overcoming PTSD and Promoting Mental Health: A First Responder's Journey to Resilience

Episode Number: 17 Publish Date: August 28, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Rob Leathen

Brief Description Join us for a compelling and insightful video featuring Rob Leathan, a retired fire chief with over 24 years of service, as he shares his journey of overcoming PTSD and promoting mental health awareness among first responders. In this video, Rob candidly discusses his battle with PTSD and depression, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by those in his profession. His story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking support and embracing holistic therapies. Discover how Rob found healing through unconventional methods like ketamine and equine therapy. Through his experiences, we uncover the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues within the first responder community. This video calls for greater awareness, understanding, and empathy for first responders' mental well-being. Join us as we explore themes of resilience, hope, and personal growth in the face of adversity. This video is a must-watch if you're passionate about mental health, supporting first responders, and sharing inspirational stories of triumph. Remember to like, subscribe, and share to help us spread the message of mental health advocacy and resilience.

Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Rob Leathen Bio

Rob Leathen is a recently retired 30 year veteran of the Ontario Fire Service leaving with the rank of Acting Platoon Chief. In 2019 he was diagnosed with severe PTSD/Depression and like some, his journey also included a very close call with suicide. He openly and very publicly shares his lived experience to help chip away at the stigma that still exists surrounding 1st responder mental health and suicide. He does this though his mental health education and advocacy efforts, mental health-related digital artwork, and peer support with three different 1st responder peer support organizations. His mantra is "Silence does nothing but strengthen stigma and when we recover loudly we keep others from dying quietly so speak up, speak out and speak loudly when it comes to 1st responder mental health!" so not only does he talk the talk but he also walks the walk. Connect with the Host: Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and author of Burnt Around the Edges. www.silverarrowco.com www.burntaroundtheedges.com www.beneaththehelmet.ca Support the Show: 🔥Want to show your appreciation for Beneath the Helmet Show? Buy us a coffee! Your support enables us to keep producing content that makes a difference in the lives of our firefighters. ➡️ Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 📩Join the BTH Community 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: 📺 Youtube: 🎧All other podcast platforms 🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!