CONTENT WARNING: Details of death, suicide, depression
Alan Bruce worked as a special rescue firefighter (one of the most high-stress roles in the industry) coordinating large-scale rescues and firefighting operations.
As a child, his family immigrated to Australia from Scotland, where they were placed in a migrant hostel. He had dreams of being a pilot and a rockstar but fell into firefighting and learned to love it.
Throughout his career, Alan developed severe PTSD and later, suicidal ideation. Today we chat about mental health, the concept of life and death and the mental health toll on first responders.
As usual - I am so grateful for these conversations and the vulnerability of our guests.
You can purchase Alan's biography here.
RESOURCES:
If this episode has raised issues for you around mental health, loss or depression, please speak to someone (free of charge) using the resources below:
Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
CONNECT:
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