What happens when a first responder who has seen it all decides to confront the emotional toll of his career? Join us as we sit down with Bruce Shooter, a seasoned  EMT who opens up about his journey from a 16-year-old rescue squad member to becoming a beacon of mental health advocacy for first responders. Bruce recounts emotionally intense experiences like performing CPR on a 90-year-old heart attack victim and dealing with fatal car accidents involving his peers. With raw honesty, he discusses the lack of emotional support and training in his early days, leading to suppressed feelings and undiagnosed mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, alcoholism, and PTSD. Bruce's story is an eye-opener on the critical importance of mental health awareness and support for those on the frontlines.

Ever wondered how someone transitions from a lucrative IT career to a full-blown mental health crisis and then to an empowering recovery journey? Bruce's life took a dramatic turn as he faced the dual realities of external success and internal turmoil. After interactions with police and psychiatric holds, he created the Mental Health Warrior Program. This initiative focuses on accepting and managing emotions through a self-help approach. We delve into how early emotional management and the acceptance of one's emotional spectrum can prevent life from spiraling out of control. Bruce’s transformative insights shed light on practical, actionable steps to handle life’s challenges effectively.

Discover the power of a "warrior mindset" and the importance of mental resilience, especially for first responders. Bruce shares his Mental Health Warrior program's philosophy and practical tools for personal growth and maintaining mental health. By utilizing storytelling and multimedia platforms, Bruce motivates individuals to seek help and take charge of their mental health. This episode also touches on the importance of simplifying life, focusing on values, and fostering open conversations with loved ones. Ultimately, Bruce’s message is clear: igniting mental wellness awareness is essential.

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