I am a former State of South Carolina and NREMT- Paramedic who, in 2007, was diagnosed with PTSD, Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder. I initially thought I was suffering from burnout. After an injury ended my career, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work on a Master of Divinity Degree at Emory University. Shortly after arriving in Atlanta, my life began to spiral out of control. I continued to brush it off as burnout from the years of running calls at a busy station. However, my emotions were not only beginning to affect my thinking, but every aspect of my life. 

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The uncontrollable crying, deep depression, anger and self doubt led to self isolation. The flashbacks and dreams would take their toll. It wasn't until I began to have suicidal ideations, that I realized I had to break my silence. I sought out someone I felt I could trust and that decision was to be the first step in changing my life.

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Breaking the silence was not easy and neither was the treatment that followed. Today, I realize how much I learned and continue to learn from that experience. Even after all these years, I still find myself struggling from time to time. It is a journey...

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My hope, with writing about this part of my life, is to share as much of the positive and negative challenges I face on this journey and to help others reach out to a trusted friend, therapist or physician by breaking their own silence and finding the freedom from the shame and stigma associated with mental health.  

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"My healing began when I broke my silence..."

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  Parker McBryde: A-73