It’s hard to imagine how someone could fall from grace after participating in the heroic efforts to save Jessica McClure. Much in the same way, an aspiring leader slowly works his or her way up a mountain, it can work in the opposite way as well: One step at a time.

Incrementally, Inside the Well reveals how Robert O’Donnell ended up watching television news coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing as new heroes emerged and fell into a deep funk. In that moment, as his mother recalled later, he pointed to the screen and said, “Those people are going to need help for a long time.”

Robert O’Donnell (right) and Steve Forbes (left) sitting atop an ambulance in a celebratory parade that followed the successful rescue of “Baby Jessica: McClure. 

It’s almost perfectly stated. O’Donnell’s words are the basis of the mystery behind what happened to him and introduces the question of whether he himself knew his own pain as the net effect of a fading limelight and an inability to let it go. Could he have known that when the dust settles for the new heroes emerging from the bombing’s rubble, a new struggle would be begin?

Stigma and the backdrop of PTSD

The story of Robert O’Donnell sat vaguely in the back of my mind as some had told me over the years with a retelling that felt more like rumor than fact. Like many others, I had heard opaque whispers of a tragic history of the firefighter-paramedic’s life following the rescue.

In an early interview with Vaughn Donaldson, who himself had worked with O’Donnell as a firefighter with the Midland Fire Department, I learned more about what O’Donnell experienced not only as he handled media requests but also as a coworker dealing with internal squabbles and jealousies. He revealed how Steve Forbes, the firefighter-paramedic who emerged from the rescue shaft with Jessica in his arms, began to see the struggles O’Donnell had. As a result, Forbes refused any additional response for media interviews and returned to his normal life as a firefighter.

O’Donnell, on the other hand, maintained his role and repeatedly revisiting the rescue triumph among coworkers.

Recognition of the issue might have been difficult in the 1980s and 1990s. As a mental health issue, the idea of PTSD was largely stigmatized. And some of those in leadership later exhibited a lack of interest, curiosity, responsibility and emphathy, it could be argued that a level of negligence revealed itself among those in O’Donnell’s orbit. To his credit, Donaldson began transitioning his career to explore trends and issues associated with PTSD among first responders, and his career aligned with the broad arc toward awareness that today makes resources available to those experiencing trauma in one form or another as a first responder or member of the military.

Learning more about PTSD and stigma

Today, a variety of resources are available for people who might be experiencing the effects of PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD stigma happens frequently and can leave those experiencing PTSD feeling ostracized and alone. At other times, those who migh tbe empathetic feel helpless.

“Some people may have good intentions but still feel uncomfortable when they find out you have PTSD. This can make it difficult to find a job or a place to live,” according to the VA.

With additional insight, we can see how Robert O’Donnell’s experiences are not isolated. “Substance abuse, a common problem with PTSD, may make it hard to find a job. If you have this problem, talk to your doctor about getting drug or alcohol treatment such as counseling. Research shows that you can benefit from treatment for PTSD and substance use at the same time. You can find counseling through churches or through drug and alcohol rehab programs.”

Additional help for those experiencing PTSD

Here are some ways you can help others better understand PTSD:

• Let them know that PTSD is a medical condition that can be treated.
• Talk about your recovery. This will help them understand the challenges you face.
• Show them your strengths and talents. Don’t let PTSD keep you from going after things you want to do.
• Remember that “you are the message.” You can show how you want to be treated by the way you act. Treating yourself with respect can set an example for everyone.
• Accept that you may need breaks during activities. Your symptoms may make it harder to focus on things for a long time.
• Work with your family and doctor to set manageable goals. Let them know what changes you want to make in your life.

Learn more at the VAs website and their webpage dedicated to PTSD.