Episode 22: I’ve Got Your Back: Breaking the Stigma of PTSD in First Responders
Tue Dec 23 2025
In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan andMegan sit down with Shaun Taylor, co-founder of the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911awareness campaign, to shed light on the mental health realities faced by FirstResponders and those living with PTSD.
Launched in 2014, #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 began as an onlinemovement aimed at breaking down stigma and drawing attention to the risingmental health challenges within the First Responder community. Through a strongand dedicated online presence, the campaign quickly gained worldwiderecognition as a space where First Responders could connect, share resources,and visibly support one another.
The campaign proudly supports Paramedics, Police,Firefighters, Emergency Telecommunications, Nurses, Corrections, and Militarypersonnel, anyone regularly exposed to traumatic incidents in the workplace. Asthe movement grew, so did the demand for its message. What started as a hashtagand Facebook page evolved into an online store and charitable trust, allowingsupporters to turn awareness into tangible action.
In this conversation, Shaun shares the personal journeybehind creating #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, how the campaign has grown over the years,and what the organization is currently working on. He also opens up about hisown lived experience, offering an honest and powerful perspective on trauma,healing, and why community support matters.
All funds raised through the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 charitabletrust are donated directly to organizations across the country whose sole focusis First Responder mental health initiatives—ensuring 100% of donations gowhere they’re needed most.
This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionateabout mental health, advocacy, and supporting those who show up for othersevery day.
Connect with Shaun:
LinkedIn
Website
Connect with us:
BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com
BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast
BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH
BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress
BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress
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In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan andMegan sit down with Shaun Taylor, co-founder of the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911awareness campaign, to shed light on the mental health realities faced by FirstResponders and those living with PTSD. Launched in 2014, #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 began as an onlinemovement aimed at breaking down stigma and drawing attention to the risingmental health challenges within the First Responder community. Through a strongand dedicated online presence, the campaign quickly gained worldwiderecognition as a space where First Responders could connect, share resources,and visibly support one another. The campaign proudly supports Paramedics, Police,Firefighters, Emergency Telecommunications, Nurses, Corrections, and Militarypersonnel, anyone regularly exposed to traumatic incidents in the workplace. Asthe movement grew, so did the demand for its message. What started as a hashtagand Facebook page evolved into an online store and charitable trust, allowingsupporters to turn awareness into tangible action. In this conversation, Shaun shares the personal journeybehind creating #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, how the campaign has grown over the years,and what the organization is currently working on. He also opens up about hisown lived experience, offering an honest and powerful perspective on trauma,healing, and why community support matters. All funds raised through the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 charitabletrust are donated directly to organizations across the country whose sole focusis First Responder mental health initiatives—ensuring 100% of donations gowhere they’re needed most. This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionateabout mental health, advocacy, and supporting those who show up for othersevery day. Connect with Shaun: LinkedIn Website Connect with us: BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress