NICK WINGO
Founder of Building Grit, Best Selling Author, Podcaster, and former firefighter paramedic on a mission to face his PTSD and bring a voice to other first responders who are going through the same thing.
Nick Wingo was born and raised in Colorado. As a Colorado native Nick loves to be outdoors, he spent most of his childhood in the woods camping or snowboarding, which has inspired his trailer rental venture.
Nick Wingo spent the early part of his life as a firefighter paramedic where he saw things that most people could never even understand. After retiring as a firefighter Nick has put his passion into conquering his PTSD and helping others to do the same. He also gained a whole new perspective on the value of life after spending some time on a medical mission in Uganda.
Together with his beautiful bride Desiree Wingo he is building a business, raising their 2 amazing children Owen and Analise, helping couples strengthen their marriages, and giving a voice to those firefighters and first responders whose suffering goes unheard.
Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel experience higher rates of lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts than the general population and other protective service professions.
CORE VALUES
Building Grit: How to fight the fires of PTSD and come out stronger on the other side
A note from the Author, Nick Wingo:
"You might be wondering, why do I suddenly feel like writing a book, especially for my fellow firefighters. Let me explain. PTSD comes almost guaranteed for most of us, firefighters. On average, 100 firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty. However, that number doubles when it comes to firefighters who end up committing suicide. That is an alarming leap, and that is only a number that has been recorded. There are far more that go on to end their lives and are never recorded. The leading cause of suicide happens to be PTSD, which is why you can imagine my urgency and need to write this book.
What we fail to realize is not only PTSD is causing us to suffer, but it is also putting our relationships in harm's way. These suicidal thoughts, the sudden burst of fear and rage, all can have drastic impacts on those who love us and care for us. Through this book, I also intend to rekindle the spark between couples and let them know how both of them must be there for each other. It is only possible once people accept one simple fact:
βItβs okay to not be okay!β
This book, Building Grit, is all about how I went on to battle my PTSD and emerge victorious, back to live my life the way it was supposed to be lived. It is an account of what I did, and what you should do to seek help. It is a journey that reflects on some of the most horrifying experiences that I have dealt with, and those are only there to let you know that you are not alone. We are in this together, and together, we shall rise once again, bigger, better, and stronger."
-Nick Wingo
