This is a fictional story about grief, trauma, and the silent battles that follow us even when we appear to have moved on. It explores how unhealed pain can resurface, even in the most heroic of roles.

Haunted by a childhood tragedy, Jeff faces a fire that mirrors his past. A stirring blog story about trauma, delayed healing, and emotional collapse.

Jeff jumped from the truck, dressed in Bunker Gear, a regulated station wear made from breathable, flame-retardant fabrics. The bulkiness of the gear made him look extra large. His hands were protected by thick gloves, his feet secured in sturdy boots. A perfectly fitted yellow helmet shielded his head. Clean breathing air came through a mask connected to the tank strapped to his back.

Like his teammates, Jeff looked ready to combat the fire and save lives from the engulfed building.

But before him was a replica of something that happened years ago.

That day, he had come back from school late with the driver, Mr. Funny, as everyone called him. And he watched, helpless, as his mother’s multi-million-naira house was consumed by flames. The fire had erupted from all sides – rooftop, doors, windows – orange tongues replacing blue sparks. Smoke clouded everything. But what tore him apart was knowing his mother and little sister were trapped inside.

Strangers had stopped their cars in the stormy night to help. Someone held him back as he tried to run toward the collapsing building.

“Don’t go any further,” the stranger said softly.

“Why isn’t the fire department here yet?” Mr. Funny yelled at no one in particular.

Jeff’s life changed that day. He lost his family and something deeper. A sense of security and meaning.

That day was the beginning of a new identity. Jeff became stoic. Quiet and disconnected. The nightmares didn’t stop for years. Fire anywhere sent him into panic. 

He became a recluse and went through years of inconsistent therapy. Then, that one decision became his life’s calling: He would be the firefighter who was never late.

They had arrived on time, though not all. But none of that mattered now as he stood frozen at the sight of the burning building.

“Let’s move!” a colleague nudged him.

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"Can they put out the fire in my heart, too?" The thought slipped through his lips.

Everyone ran; hoses in hand, shouting instructions just like that tragic day. But Jeff was paralyzed by the memory of his 15-year-old self, crying, reaching, begging for help. And just like then, all efforts to move failed him.

“Jeff, we need to move now. Get to your position!” a colleague urged, snapping him back to reality. 

Nearby, Charles and Andrew were battling the flames at another breakout point, their hoses spraying steady streams of water. Ralph was coordinating with dispatch, and others were securing the perimeter. 

The team was fully engaged, each member focused on their task but Jeff felt frozen, caught in the grip of his own memories.

“Snap out of it, Jeff. These people need us.”

A loud boom broke through the chaos as the building collapsed.

Jeff snapped out of his reverie, tears finally escaping, fifteen years late.

A little boy tugged at his feet. His stare was haunting. The same glare Jeff had once given the firefighters that arrived too late.

“Nothing would have been done with me'"

“Maybe the one to two minutes wasted were enough to save one soul.”

Jeff heard it all. Jeff heard it all, not from his team, but from the relentless chorus of doubt and guilt echoing in his head.

He wasn’t late today. But he still felt like he had let the victims down.

The weight crushed him. The haunting memory returned. And he knew, in that moment, his career was over.

“There are many ways to save lives,” his therapist had once told him.

“Even your strength can become your weakness. Don’t let it destroy you.”

He had managed to pass all the tests. Psychological evaluations. Training. He was cleared to serve.

But no test could measure the fire still burning inside him.

His teammates rushed toward him – but all he wanted was to escape the boy’s accusing glare

Mental health battles don’t always look like breakdowns. Sometimes they wear uniforms, look like discipline, or sound like silence.

Jeff was strong, trained, and ready but unhealed trauma doesn’t disappear just because we’ve moved forward. Like fire, it lingers in places we think we’ve forgotten.

If you're dealing with trauma or PTSD, professional help can make a difference. Therapy, counseling, or support groups offer safe spaces for healing. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward regaining control of your life.

You don't have to wait for a collapse to seek help. The fire within deserves just as much attention as the one outside.

Jeff became a firefighter to prevent others' pain, but one rescue mission reopens old wounds. A gripping story of trauma, memory, and mental health.



A Firefighter’s Trauma: Fiction That Explores PTSD and Recovery

MOSHOBALAJE Sheriff Ajibola is a licensed clinical psychologist with over six years of experience in mental health service delivery across Nigeria and beyond. Known for his expertise, he shares his journey in championing mental health awareness and trauma recovery.

Sheriff’s journey into therapy is a story of personal passion, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. With a background in Clinical Psychology, he has dedicated his career to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, creating safe spaces for individuals to heal, and fostering a supportive community for those in distress.

His academic journey began at the University of Ilorin, where he obtained a BSc in Psychology. Driven by a deep-seated passion for understanding the human mind, he pursued an MSc in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ibadan. Alongside his formal education, he has augmented his expertise with various mental health-related certifications, ensuring his approach remains evidence-based and effective.

However, Sheriff’s passion for therapy extends beyond academic credentials, it is deeply personal. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of depression, including the loss of two important people in his life, he was compelled to act. This painful experience catalyzed his realization of the urgent need for accessible therapy in Nigeria. He recognized that many individuals suffer in silence due to societal stigma and made it his mission to provide a non-judgmental space where people can share their struggles and work toward healing.

As a Clinical Psychologist, Sheriff specializes in a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care etc. His expertise lies in addressing complex mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief and other mental health conditions. With a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care, he has worked extensively with clients who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them rebuild their lives with resilience and confidence.

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Beyond his professional practice, Sheriff prioritizes self-care, understanding that a healthy work-life balance ensures that he can continue to support others effectively. “

As a therapist, I also try to work out, get quality sleep, cook, spend time in nature, and connect with loved ones. By taking care of myself, I'm able to maintain a healthy work-life balance and pursue my passions with energy and enthusiasm,

One of the most impactful projects Sheriff has led is a monthly support group for survivors of traumatic experiences. As the facilitator, he has created a safe, non-judgmental space where participants can share their stories, connect with others who understand their journey, and embark on a path of healing. 

The initiative fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping participants reframe their traumatic experiences in a way that no longer triggers distress. Through this project, he has witnessed individuals gain confidence, develop coping strategies, and take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Sheriff also believes in the power of collaboration, recognizing that collective efforts can drive greater impact in the mental health sector. He has collaborated with organizations such as Lagos Airport Hotel, TIERs, Tranqbay, Mentally Informed, MyTherapist.ng, Cool Group of Companies, TRAHI, ASADs, Chrysalis Foundation, MANI, and Rainbow FM. His collaborations often involve training sessions and speaking engagements that raise awareness about mental health issues and provide practical solutions for individuals and organizations.

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One notable engagement was his invitation as a guest speaker by Lagos Airport Hotel Limited for their #InternationalMensDay event. Addressing the theme #ZeroMaleSuicide, Sheriff delved into the critical issue of suicide among men, highlighting the societal norms that discourage them from speaking up about their struggles. 

He emphasized the importance of open conversations, breaking the silence surrounding male mental health, and challenging outdated perceptions that prevent men from seeking help. His interactive session provided a safe space for participants to ask questions, share their experiences, and gain valuable insights on mental well-being.

For those seeking guidance on resilience and healing, Sheriff highly recommends the book "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg.

The book has been a valuable resource for my clients navigating adversity, trauma, and mental health challenges. It offers a relatable and compassionate guide for finding closure, building resilience, and discovering joy in the face of hardship. I believe everyone can benefit from Sandberg's wisdom and courage, and I wholeheartedly recommend 'Option B' to anyone seeking inspiration, support, and guidance on their own journe

As Sheriff continues his work in the mental health space, his vision remains clear: to provide accessible therapy, promote trauma recovery, and build a society where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported. 

His unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to both professionals and individuals seeking to overcome life’s challenges with strength and resilience.

The journey to healing takes time, but taking the first step whether by seeking support, talking to someone, or practicing self-care can make all the difference. 

 Tranqbay has made professional help available and accessible. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’ve also included a step-by-step guide to assist you in booking your first session.

https://tranqbay.health/blog/general/speak-with-an-online-therapist-a-step-by-step-guide

A clinical psychologist champions mental health awareness and trauma recovery, breaking stigma and creating safe spaces for healing and support.

Championing Mental Health and Trauma Recovery: A Psychologist’s Journey

Trauma and PTSD affect millions worldwide, often resulting in enduring emotional and physical wounds. While Trauma can heal over time, PTSD lingers. 

Understanding the symptoms, effects, and treatments can help with healing and recovery. Let's break it down in a way that is clear and relatable.

A psychological disorder known as trauma develops when a person struggles to recover after an upsetting, terrifying, or potentially fatal event. These kinds of situations might be so debilitating that they impair a person's capacity to function in daily life. 

Trauma, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), is an emotional reaction to a terrible incident, like a natural disaster, sexual assault, or accident. 

 It can provoke intense emotions that affect a person's mental, emotional, and physical health.

The effects of trauma might differ greatly from person to person. Some people may only experience the symptoms for a few weeks, while others may experience them for months. 

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A more severe and long-lasting response to trauma is known as post-traumatic stress disorder,  or PTSD. "Post-traumatic" describes experiences that follow trauma, as the name implies.

PTSD is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a severe emotional and physical reaction to memories or thoughts of a traumatic incident. 

After the encounter, these reactions may last for weeks, months, or even years. PTSD cannot exist without trauma, although trauma can happen without causing PTSD. 

The primary difference is that PTSD involves disruptive, long-lasting symptoms that make it difficult to go about daily tasks. 

It's critical to realize that enduring a difficult circumstance does not equate to suffering from trauma. 

Many people characterize their poor days or terrifying situations with words like "depressed" or "traumatized." 

But genuine trauma has long-lasting psychological effects that can interfere with everyday life.

Trauma can result from a number of things, including: 

Accidents such as vehicle collisions or injuries sustained at work.

Violence including domestic violence and sexual or physical abuse.

Natural catastrophes such hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes

Unexpected loss. This can be as passing away a loved one

Symptoms are interconnected and can have a significant impact on every aspect of a person's life, influencing his health, interpersonal relationships, and functioning.

Chronic Anxiety and Depression: Prolonged emotional distress can result in hopelessness, lack of motivation, and suicidal thoughts.

Emotional Numbness: Loss of feeling can make interpersonal relationships complicated.

Intrusive Thoughts and Sleep Disturbances: Flashbacks and nightmares disrupt sleep and are factors in overall mental instability.

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Weak Immune System: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system's ability to fight off disease.

Chronic Headaches and Pain: Unresolved trauma can manifest as pain, typically in the form of migraines or muscle tension.

Increased Risk of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Some individuals may use alcohol or drugs as a way of dealing with overwhelming feelings.

Isolation: Trauma survivors tend to isolate from friends and family and feel misunderstood or disconnected.

Strained Relationships: Irritability, anger, or emotional distancing can disrupt the ability for intimacy in relationships.

Trust Problems: Trauma may result in problems with trusting others, and this can make it hard to form new relationships.

Difficulty Focusing: Hypervigilance and memory difficulties can disrupt concentration in school or at work.

Decreased Productivity: Mental fatigue and fatigue can undermine performance.

Job or Academic Unsteadiness: Emotional unsteadiness may make certain individuals struggle to retain jobs or stay committed to studies.

Professional help: Therapy and expert support are the most effective ways to manage trauma and PTSD. Therapists assist people in developing coping mechanisms and reframing negative ideas. 

Antidepressants or anxiety-reducing drugs may be administered in specific situations. 

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 Talking to people who have experienced similar trauma can provide validation and emotional support. 

Trauma and PTSD affect millions, causing emotional and physical struggles. Knowing their symptoms, effects, and treatment can aid healing and recovery.

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