'Suck it up, buttercup': Ohio first responders push back against mental health stigma

  • Source: WTOL-TV CBS 11 Toledo
  • Published: 03/10/2023 12:00 AM

VIDEO: An average person can see two or three traumatic incidents in their life, while first responders can see more than 180, according to First H.E.L.P., a national organization that works to reduce mental health stigma among first responders. "When it's something that you can personally relate to, it's a lot harder to get over," Jessica Vargas, a dispatcher with the Wood County Sheriff's Office, said. Sara Shaw, an officer with the Oregon Police Department, said her husband and fellow northwest Ohio police officer, Mike, was triggered during a raid when a toy -- the same one owned by their daughter -- went off during a raid. He died by suicide in October 2020. Now, WTOL 11 is sharing the story of former Sylvania firefighter Aaron Frye, who left his job after 23 years.



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