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continue: Surviving the darkness, choosing to live.
A first responder’s story of his battle with job-related post traumatic stress. Inside, Derek shares how anxiety snuck into his life and took a stranglehold, taking you on a ride-along to the calls that took a mental on him and planted seeds of darkness in his life. By sharing his journey, Derek shines a light on a growing problem among first responders. Through his self discovery, passion for swimming, and the support of family, he has survived and thrived. In hopes of helping others, Derek shares his story to raise awareness, reduce a damning stigma, and encourage others to seek help.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2021
2 people are currently reading
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About the author
Derek Robinson
71 books80 followersDerek Robinson is a British author best known for his military aviation novels full of black humour. He has also written several books on some of the more sordid events in the history of Bristol, his home town, as well as guides to rugby. He was nominated for the Booker Prize in 1971 for his first novel, 'Goshawk Squadron.'
After attending Cotham Grammar School, Robinson served in the Royal Air Force as a fighter plotter, during his National Service. He has a History degree from Cambridge University, where he attended Downing College, has worked in advertising in the UK and the US and as a broadcaster on radio and television. He was a qualified rugby referee for over thirty years and is a life member of Bristol Society of Rugby Referees. He was married in 1964
After attending Cotham Grammar School, Robinson served in the Royal Air Force as a fighter plotter, during his National Service. He has a History degree from Cambridge University, where he attended Downing College, has worked in advertising in the UK and the US and as a broadcaster on radio and television. He was a qualified rugby referee for over thirty years and is a life member of Bristol Society of Rugby Referees. He was married in 1964
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 29, 2021
A Must Read for First Responders and Caregivers (and those who love them)
I know many first responders, but very few share the details of grizzly calls. I always assumed it was out of respect for the victims but now realize it's really more about keeping up appearances. Derek's personal story in this book explains why it's not OK to suffer from PTSI (PTSD) alone. Mental health has been ignored far too long.
My brother in law worked as a TV sat tech for local and national news media when covering deadly wildfires like the Camp Fire in 2018, Grass Valley Fire in Lake Arrowhead in 2007 and the horrific scene when an elderly man drive down the Farmers Market in Santa Monica. Though not a "first responder", he still talks about the affect such grizzly images had on him. He too suffers PTSI. So this book is not just for Firefighters. It is a helpful for anyone suffering post traumatic stress, depression and thoughts of suicide.
Derek is bluntly honest about his own PTSI and his treatment journey to recovery. A story that needs to be shared because so many others suffer. Especially as we enter "Post Covid19 Pandemic" days,we need to reach out and help our loved ones realize there is help and they are not alone.
On another personal note, I want to add that this book is not just for First responders. My husband and I care for a severely medically challenged special needs child. And 12 years ago while caring for her, I was diagnosed with cancer. My husband immediately became caregiver to us both. Today I am cancer free and our daughter is stable, but he is still not the same person he was. In reading this book I now realize that my husband is suffering from PTSI after taking care of us during some very dark days. Thank you Derek for helping me see the signs in my own husband and for giving me the strength and tools to return the favor and care for him.
I know many first responders, but very few share the details of grizzly calls. I always assumed it was out of respect for the victims but now realize it's really more about keeping up appearances. Derek's personal story in this book explains why it's not OK to suffer from PTSI (PTSD) alone. Mental health has been ignored far too long.
My brother in law worked as a TV sat tech for local and national news media when covering deadly wildfires like the Camp Fire in 2018, Grass Valley Fire in Lake Arrowhead in 2007 and the horrific scene when an elderly man drive down the Farmers Market in Santa Monica. Though not a "first responder", he still talks about the affect such grizzly images had on him. He too suffers PTSI. So this book is not just for Firefighters. It is a helpful for anyone suffering post traumatic stress, depression and thoughts of suicide.
Derek is bluntly honest about his own PTSI and his treatment journey to recovery. A story that needs to be shared because so many others suffer. Especially as we enter "Post Covid19 Pandemic" days,we need to reach out and help our loved ones realize there is help and they are not alone.
On another personal note, I want to add that this book is not just for First responders. My husband and I care for a severely medically challenged special needs child. And 12 years ago while caring for her, I was diagnosed with cancer. My husband immediately became caregiver to us both. Today I am cancer free and our daughter is stable, but he is still not the same person he was. In reading this book I now realize that my husband is suffering from PTSI after taking care of us during some very dark days. Thank you Derek for helping me see the signs in my own husband and for giving me the strength and tools to return the favor and care for him.
April 8, 2021
Really great personal story with a strong message of hope like the lighthouses Derek has come to view as a metaphor for the light we all need sometimes to guide us home.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews