Ep. 36 Trauma and Art with Special Guest Daniel Sundahl

In today's episode, the team talks with Daniel Sundahl, a 20-year Firefighter/Paramedic, and artist. Daniel discusses how his experiences navigating PTSD led him to create powerful artwork, which is now helping open the conversation around mental health for first responders. For decades, mental health care was neglected for those working in the field, meaning responders were repeatedly exposed to traumatic events with little (if any) time to process what they saw, heard, treated, and experienced. While stigmas are still attached to seeking care for mental health, the concept that only the weak need help is slowly being dismantled. Therefore, the team takes the time to broach this sensitive subject with the hopes of helping first responders across the country, continent, and world seek help and care while recognizing they are not alone.

This episode delves into the evolution of mental health care with expanding research around mental health and traumas. It also emphasizes the value of those with years of experience using their history in the field to build a foundation of support and care for current and future first responders.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please call 988 (U.S.) or go to https://988lifeline.org/.

If you want to view Daniel's artwork, read more about his story, or see where his artwork will be on display, visit https://www.dansunphotos.com/.