The Challenges of Identity Loss in the Fire Service The Importance of Feeling Pain for Healing with Keith Hanks

Keith Hanks, a former firefighter EMT, shares his journey from trauma to mental health advocacy. He discusses the challenges he faced in the fire service, including the impact of childhood trauma and the accumulation of on-the-job trauma. Keith emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding appropriate treatment for PTSD. He also highlights the struggle of identity loss when leaving the fire service and the need to discover a new purpose. Keith discusses his book, which delves into the in-between moments of first responder life and aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. In this conversation, Keith and Jeff discuss the importance of feeling pain in order to heal from trauma. They talk about the impact of personal experiences on their advocacy work and how it has affected their personal lives. Keith emphasizes the need for self-care, routines, and boundaries to maintain balance while pursuing multiple goals. They also discuss the power of relationships and the positive impact they can have on healing and personal growth. Learn More about Keith Follow Keith Learn More about Jeff Follow Jeff