-
Continue reading →: Coping with Wildfires: Mental Health Strategies for EvacuationsWildfires not only cause physical destruction but also impact mental health, particularly for those with PTSD and anxiety. The author shares personal experiences from the 2021 White Rock Lake fire, highlighting the emotional challenges of evacuation. Practical strategies for coping include preparation, emotional support, and acknowledging feelings post-evacuation to foster…
-
Continue reading →: The Paramedic’s Dilemma: Is It Worth the Risk of PTSD and Burnout?When people think of paramedics, they often envision heroes arriving just in time to save lives. What they don’t see, however, is the toll that comes with such responsibility. Behind the flashing lights and medical interventions lies a difficult reality—burnout, PTSD, and mental health struggles are rampant among first responders.…
-
Continue reading →: Veterans and PTSD: Why Service Beyond Combat Matters
🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️ As Remembrance Day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on something that I see too often in the veteran community: the tension between veterans. Why do some veterans criticize others for showing pride in their service? Why is there backlash over something as simple as posting…
-
Continue reading →: Top 5 Autumn Movies of ALL-TIMEAs the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with some cozy, autumn-themed movies. 🎬🍁 In my latest episode of A Medic’s Mind, I’m sharing my top 5 must-watch films to get you in the fall spirit! From nostalgic coming-of-age stories…
-
Continue reading →: Embracing Life’s Moments: Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced WorldFerris Bueller once said: “life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” And you know what? That roguish devil is right. Life moves it breakneck speeds, rarely giving us a chance to catch our breath, right through to our…
-
Continue reading →: Healing Through Words: My Guest Appearance on People First Radio
I’m thrilled to share that I recently had the honor of being a guest on People First Radio, a program sponsored by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society. This opportunity allowed me to delve into some deeply personal topics, including my journey through addiction recovery, the inspirations behind my latest…
-
Continue reading →: Journey to Recovery: A Personal Tale of Overcoming AddictionIn this compelling first-person account from CBC News, we delve into the raw and inspiring story of one individual’s battle with addiction and their path to recovery. This narrative sheds light on the struggles and triumphs faced along the way, offering hope and resilience to others on a similar journey.
-
Continue reading →: Finding Peace in Small-Town Life: A City Boy’s Journey to Tranquility“Leaving behind the neon chaos of the city for the gentle rhythms of a small town reveals a new kind of bliss. Discover how the tranquil pace of small-town life helps heal the wounds inflicted by the relentless pace of urban living, and find out why sometimes, the best adventures…
-
Continue reading →: Greens, Eggs, and Good TimesWhat do you get when you combine egg salad sandwiches, cold drinks, and perfectly manicured swaths of land to play golf on with a dear friend? I’ll tell you — you get an afternoon as close to bliss as you possibly can while bound to this mortal coil of ours.…
-
Continue reading →: Award-Winning Author Matthew Heneghan Reflects on Childhood Memories at 2024 Writers’ Gala in Salmon Arm“Last weekend, I had the distinct honor of attending a prestigious writers’ gala in Salmon Arm as a guest of honor, celebrating my first-place win in the nonfiction category. As I walked into the elegant ballroom filled with formally dressed guests, I was immediately enveloped in a wave of nostalgia.…
Hello,
I’m Matthew
Welcome to the official blog of Matthew Heneghan — author of A Medic’s Mind and Woven in War, and host of the trauma-focused podcast Unwritten Chapters.
As a former Canadian Armed Forces medic and civilian paramedic, I’ve lived through the raw edges of trauma, addiction, grief, and healing. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, I write and speak about PTSD, trauma recovery, mental health awareness, and resilience — especially from the lens of veterans and first responders.
If you’re searching for real-life stories of overcoming adversity, the effects of service-related trauma, or insight into the recovery process after hitting rock bottom — you’re in the right place. My goal is to foster connection through shared experience, break stigma, and offer hope.
Explore the blog, tune into the podcast, and discover how writing became a lifeline — and might just become yours, too.
Let’s connect
Join the fun!
Stay updated with our latest tutorials and ideas by joining our newsletter.
Author Matthew Heneghan 