I heard a story once... a wiser older hiring manager was looking for just the right person to add to his team, and he asked each applicant the question, "If you were walking 100 miles and you got a sharp pebble in your shoe, how far would YOU be able to walk with the pebble in your shoe?" and each applicant tried to prove their tenacity, their endurance, and their strength with answers about how many miles they could walk with the pebble digging in to their foot. One applicant, though, said simply, "Why would I walk with a pebble in my shoe? If I take just a moment to remove it, I would be able to walk the distance without the problem," and he was hired on the spot.

This reminds me of those of you who have really hard jobs, like law enforcement / first responders. You experience really hard stuff -- that's the pebble getting wedged inside your shoe. And you keep walking... and walking.. and another pebble gets in your shoe.. and still you keep walking. Please, stop. Take the pebbles out (get counseling, peer support, seek resources wherever you can), and be strong and healthy again, with fewer obstacles getting in your way. Take care of yourself as you go, and you'll be healthier, have more longevity, and be able to help more people.