This week, a team of journalists at WHAS11 are shining a light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and First Responders. Our week-long series is creating conversation and pushing for change.
On December 19, you may see the hashtag #EndTheStigma on our social media platforms.
There is a stigma surrounding Post-Traumatic Stress. We want to put an end to it.
According to Merriam-Webster, a stigma is a “mark of shame or discredit." This mark is keeping men and women from reaching out and getting the help they need. They are afraid of being seen as weak or broken.
This problem is painfully evident in our first responders. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers – they take pride in keeping cool during stressful situations. Their bravery is what they are often praised for.
But they’re still human. The unimaginable horrors they see on a daily basis affect them.
PTSD is a serious issue, but it doesn’t have to be a hopeless one. We want to create a safe place for our first responders to come forward and share their stories. We want to help ease their burdens and provide the resources they need to get help.
If you are a first responder, do not be afraid to speak up. We are not here to judge. You face the worst of our society every single day to keep us safe. You take care of us and it’s our turn to take care of you.
Today, use the hashtag #EndTheStigma to share your story on social media. If you aren’t comfortable going public, you can send an email to Brooke Hasch (bhasch@whas11.com) or Rob Harris (rjharris@whas11.com), or send a message to our Facebook page.
If you are not a first responder, please still use the hashtag to encourage others to come forward.
You don’t have to be silent anymore.
What does #EndTheStigma mean?
If you're seeing the hashtag #EndTheStigma pop up in your feeds, there's an important reason.