Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew J Shobert.
Hi Matthew J, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
On July 2, 2014, 08:30 AM, I awoke face-down in the Southern California High-Desert. As Fire Chief, in Murrieta, CA., I was overseeing a brush clearing operation, in preparation for the upcoming fire season. The last thing I recall was checking my Garmin weather device, to get current ambient temperature, humidity and windspeed. Waking face-down, in a pool of my own blood, alone in the desert, realizing my lower mandible/face/head have been blown off – I thought I had been gunned down. I struggled to stuff a shirt into my face and held my face together – as I radioed a ‘Mayday’ to my crew. They arrived a few minutes later to continue life-saving measures. I would soon be air-lifted to a nearby Level-1 Trauma Center, in ultra-critical condition. My physical recovery involved over 200 procedures, and eventually lead to a TBI/PTSD diagnosis. A few months post-injury, even with my miraculous recovery, I became depressed and suicidal – with a plan.
In the 10-years post-injury, I have learned to ‘Struggle Well.’ There are no short-cuts. There are many pitfalls. It takes hard, relentless work, and support from your small circle of family, friends and co-workers. I have completed nearly every treatment-method for PTSD imaginable. The treatments – all-together – helped; these included: Counseling, Meditation, Hypnosis, Reiki, Craniosacral, Journaling, Prayer, Psychiatry, Medication, EMDR, Native American Shaman, Equine Therapy, etc.
Substance Abuse, and Spousal Abuse – would still come into play. An eventual 7-day stay at a Southern AZ, Combat Veteran’s PTSD Camp, with 18-months rigorous follow-up, would point me in a positive direction. I was the first, first-responder accepted into this program. Ten years later – since my injury, I am contented. I have a good marriage, and life is good. Now, I must share and give-back. Firefighter suicide is very prevalent. More firefighters die by suicide, – than in the line of duty. I want to improve upon these numbers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
10 years plus, post injury/near death experience I have learned to #struggle well.
After getting my lower jaw blown off, and my brain literally rattled, I went through over 200 invasive procedures, The top of my left hip is now my lower jaw, I have Traumatic injuries to my brain on the frontal lobe and left parietal area.
During my recovery, I was overcome by anxiety, depression, self-hatred, substance abuse and real thoughts of suicide. I was either sad or angry – all the time. I lost my successful fire chief career in a split-second. Hero to zero. Adrenaline junkie to couch potato in the snap of your fingers.
Through lots of support, a forgiving wife, a magical canine – “Butters,” hard work, giving back, writing a book, counseling, meds., exercise, nature, rock n roll, eastern and western therapy, and group therapy I have found new balance, and a new direction.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I had a 30 year Fire Service Career, 10 as Fire Chief, spanning two states, and four departments,
(Northwest Fire – Tucson, AZ, Sedona Fire District, AZ, Hemet CA, Murrieta CA.)
“Suicide is a permanent solution – to a temporary problem!” – Remember that.
My Education: AA, BS, MA, EFO, CFOD x 6, Ironman Triathlete & Certified Ironman Coach.
While everyone suspected, assumed, and congratulated me for doing so well in my recovery, I was contemplating a big jump – off the Coronado Bridge, in San Diego, CA. Nine years later, I have success stories to share, and sadly – stories failure relating to anger, depression, substance abuse, poor choices, etc. But, I made it!
Mental Health & Wellness is a lifelong, ongoing journey and struggle. I have learned to ‘Struggle Well,’ – and it is time for me to share my learned and successful strategies. Vulnerability is strength! At some point, we may all need some type of help!
Best Selling Author: “A Little Help Here! …Alone and dying in the California High-Desert, and a lifelong journey of PTSD and Trauma Recovery.” – Amazon, by Matt Shobert
What matters most to you?
Displaying compassion and empathy for humanity and the greater good! People have become invisible. Rudeness is the new norm. Many gain strength from another’s drama, or by belittling them. We have lost mutual-respect for human-kind, and respect our environment and planet. We only seem to care about ourselves. Greed has replaced compassion. Hubris has replaced empathy.
I had a 30-year fire service career, that was lost in a split-second. I miss it everyday, despite the trauma! I miss the camaraderie. I miss the “brotherhood.” I miss the excitement. I miss the making a difference on the worst day of people’s lives.
So, now I want to save the life of a suicidal firefighter – through my efforts. I want to enhance mental-health.
More firefighters die by suicide – than on the job! And “we” (the global fire service) seem to ignore it.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ButtersthePTSDfiredog/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-shobert-ma-efo-cfo-mifiree-ironman-coach-ironman-6aa40934/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Help-Here-California-High-Desert/dp/B0CVSQD3M5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2877KNX2TW60K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z92ZfnEuKAhueay5HoO4dg.y4iyNhSsNT0nbk2S_51gq_IhuFBAR8GR3BVNglQF9js&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+little+help+here+matt+shobert&qid=1746760661&sprefix=%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1
