The weight of the job can be crushing—long hours, constant trauma, and the unspoken expectation to stay strong no matter what. For many first responders, the pressure builds silently until it feels unbearable, leaving them trapped in isolation and despair. Hitting rock bottom isn’t just a personal crisis; it’s a breaking point that forces a choice—give in to the darkness or fight for something better. The path to healing isn’t easy, but it starts with breaking the silence, finding support, and realizing that strength isn’t about suppressing pain—it’s about confronting it. No one should have to fight that battle alone.

Matt Griffin, a former Navy rescue swimmer and police officer, transitioned into public speaking and sales after law enforcement. His book, The Journey to Midnight, details his battles with trauma, suicide, and recovery. After losing his partner to suicide and enduring a tough divorce while raising four sons, he became a mental health advocate. Today, he speaks about his first responder experiences, the need for mental health support in law enforcement, and his journey from suicidal thoughts to motivational speaking. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “Depression fights dirty and doesn't fight fair. We've had to fight fair our whole life, and now it's time to fight back.’” – Matt Griffin
• “Your identity isn't tied to the badge, what's in your wallet, or your rank. It's tied to the type of person you are and the way you treat others.” – Matt Griffin
• “We can use comparison in two ways. You can torture yourself with it, or you can use it as a teacher.” – Matt Griffin
• “If you can be really good at something, you can almost always figure out how to transfer it to what you want to be really good at.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

• Do a weekly "real talk" session with your family/team where you share one personal struggle or vulnerability to create deeper connection and trust.
• Challenge yourself to do one intentional act of kindness daily - not for recognition, but as a personal commitment to growth and serving others.
• Audit your current identity: Are you defining yourself by your job title or by the genuine impact you're making in people's lives?
• Create a 30-day personal accountability plan focused on mental health - could include therapy, journaling, or specific wellness goals.
• Identify one unresolved trauma or emotional block and commit to addressing it through professional support or structured healing process.

Conclusion:

Real resilience isn’t built on status or past success, but on the courage to be honest with ourselves, learn from our experiences, and show up for others in meaningful ways. It comes from acknowledging our struggles without letting them define us and using what we’ve learned to uplift those around us. Strength grows when we choose reflection over avoidance and purpose over ego. The most impactful leaders aren’t the ones who appear invincible, but those who embrace their humanity and use it to create lasting change.