Ep. #177. Rob Leathen, FireFighter, Artist, Peer Supporter

An Artist and Author, Mental Health Educator and Advocate, Public Speaker and a Peer Supporter who also happens to be a Firefighter (Acting Platoon Chief) for a mid sized career fire department in Ontario, Canada. “SILENCE DOES NOTHING BUT STRENGTHEN STIGMA” Rob: I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and severe Depression in 2019. I see my battle with PTSD/Depression and suicidal ideation as a gift rather then a curse or burden because it’s forcing me to reinvent myself, rebuild and evolve into a better person then I was before my diagnosis. I’m a vocal advocate for 1st responder mental health using my lived experience with PTSD, Depression and suicidal ideation to help educate others by telling the story of my mental health journey through my artwork, talks, presentations and writings. My story includes a deeply personal account of my mental health journey detailing the milestones, mistakes, lessons learned and keys to my success as well as what YOU need to know about PTSD/Depression and its symptoms. My personal experience with mental health, long time commitment to the fire service and networking with other 1st responders has given me a unique perspective on mental health and its place within the 1st responder community.