The events of the 6th of November 2007 will always live strong in my mind. For me, it was the single-most event in my Fire Service career that has shaped my future.
It was the one cause for me to start running, but this start was to come nearly 4 years after the event. The day in question signalled one of the saddest day in UK Fire Service history, when, finally, three bodies were recovered from their resting place in a warehouse fire in Warwickshire. The fatal fire claimed the lives of four fire fighters.
Four years later I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What caused the trigger? That I will never know, but too live the incident again, and live it vividly was not a nice experience.
To combat the low periods I took to the roads to run, to think, to try and lift myself. I was effectively 'Running Away' from my problems. Or so I thought!
A successful bout of EMDR eradicated the vivid flashbacks, but the running carried on!! I am now a stronger person, fitter and positive in my outlook.
On reflection, it is one period of my career I wish had never happened, for so many reasons. But it the biggest impact on how I now view life, problems and challenges.
No comments:
Post a Comment