Living Through The Darkness A Firefighter/Paramedic's Story of Overcoming Life's Tragedies

Depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder is affecting first responders all across the globe. The rise in first responder deaths, as a result of suicide, is growing at an alarming rate. Though some states in America have recognized PTSD as a work related incident, there are still many states out there that fail to recognize this as an issue. It is time we save those who save so many. This book was written in hopes that it will at least help save one person, if not many. Melissa covers her life and her journey in the field of emergency response as well as provides some tools and strategies to help recognize your need to intervene with yourself or a brother or sister. We need to be an advocate for each other and help bring light of the mental illness that is plaguing our profession. You would rush to save your brother or sister if a mayday was called at a structure fire; We should all rush to save our brother's and sister's if a mayday is called in life.

Melissa is a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Winchester Fire Department in Kentucky. She is an educator as well as a mentor and advocate of firefighter mental health and emergency services. Melissa has been previously diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and underwent an extensive inpatient program to help her overcome the struggles of mental health. In doing so, she is motivated to help others in her profession get the help and support they so desperately need. Melissa loves all things outdoors from hunting, and fishing, to kayaking and camping. She also enjoys playing guitar and offroading in her Jeep.