BattleWorn Self Care

07/01/2025

05/25/2025

https://youtu.be/ImXIsySM79k?si=lh_DlIPClxLT6_fy

From being a fire-fighter / paramedic in St. Louis to serving on a SWAT team as a deputy sheriff, Brian Lederer has dedicated his life to protecting others, often at the expense of his own well-being. In this powerful episode of BattleWorn Self-Care Podcast, Brian shares his incredible journey that began at just 17, spanning from firefighter and paramedic to full-time law enforcement officer.

Now only 23, Brian opens up about his personal story to include not becoming a third-generation statistic. Brian also speaks candidly about the intense pressures of life as a first responder, the emotional toll of the job, and the quiet battles behind the badge. We discuss the critical need for mental health support within emergency services, the impact of compassion fatigue, and the value of strong interpersonal relationships in the face of trauma.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the real people behind the uniforms, and how we can better care for those who risk everything to keep us safe.

From being a fire-fighter / paramedic in St. Louis to serving on a SWAT team as a deputy sheriff, Brian Lederer has dedicated his life to protecting others, ...

05/02/2025

I’ll be going live intermittently during this stream, and I invite you to join when you can. Please remember to be kind, it costs nothing, and kindness can mean everything. You never know what someone might be going through. So often, those who are silently struggling wear the brightest smiles.

I’m committed to helping normalize the truth that it’s okay not to be okay. What’s not okay is feeling like you have to suffer in silence. Even in your loneliest moments, there’s a community of people out there that are ready to listen, ready to care, and ready to remind you that you’re not alone.

If you find a moment, I’d love for you to stop by.

14 people registered for this event. See what's going on there!

04/05/2025

Please check out this Park Hill High School Senior's shirt and help support her cause! We're all in this together! Shirts are only $20!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16Kad3WxFz/

Send a message to learn more

03/24/2025

03/07/2025

For years, I carried this as my truth. Looking back, I believe people sensed something was wrong, but few truly asked, and even when they did, no one dug deep enough to break through my walls. I convinced myself that admitting my struggles would diminish how others saw me. In hindsight, perhaps I wasn’t ready to be honest, ready to face the absolute storm that raged in my mind.

Even with the love of my life and our beautiful children right in front of me, I felt happiness, yet I was still consumed by a depression so deep that no amount of joy could silence it. I worked, I laughed, I provided but so much of it was done on autopilot. That’s the terrifying reality of true depression. Those who suffer often know exactly how to mask it. We say the right words, wear the right smiles, and convince the world we’re fine. Even when the weight is unbearable, we make it seem as though we are standing tall. We say things like, I would never hurt myself, while secretly battling relentless what if thoughts.

But here’s what I’ve learned: ultimately, the responsibility to seek help, to accept it when it’s offered, lies within us. Speaking our truth doesn’t make us weak; it saves us. It spares our families, our friends, and those who love us from the pain of losing us to silence. And more than that, it allows us to rediscover the light within ourselves.

If you are hurting, if sadness, anger, or crisis is weighing on you, please reach out. And when someone extends their hand, take it. You matter. You are worthy. And tomorrow needs you.

#988 is the national crisis hotline. You can call or text #988 day or night, 24/7 completely free.

02/03/2025

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.