Hidden Battles is a non-profit organization that strives to help preserve the healthy minds of active and retired military, veterans, fire fighters, police officers, EMS, 911 dispatchers, correction officers, trauma medical staff and other first responders through treatment and counseling for depression, suicidal tendencies, and PTSD. Our founder Scott Hyder is a Disabled Veteran and Retired Police Officer. He served 10 years in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer, where in 2004, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He served as a police officer in a Massachusetts community for 18 years before retiring in 2019. The Hidden Battles Story:
On June 10, 2012, after not hearing from Scott's brother Nicky for a few days, he drove to his house only to discover the horror that he had taken his own life. I’m not sure if there is one word or one emotion to describe how I felt over his loss. he was devastated, confused, torn up, sad for him, sad for his children…angry. He was emotionally falling apart and eventually reached out for help. His therapy helped him to see that his brother struggled with depression and PTSD. Always appearing upbeat, happy and smiling, but obviously inside fighting a demon and ultimately losing his inner battle. After Nick’s su***de, Scott began to work with a local su***de prevention and awareness team. As a member of The Team Forever Young, his teammates and him participated in numerous Out of The Darkness Walks sponsored by the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention. Team Forever Young became AFSP’s national top fundraising team raising over $250,000 to date. He has publicly spoken on many occasions to people of all ages about su***de, su***de prevention and awareness. Although he finds fundraising to be a vital part in raising awareness and prevention, he didn’t feel it was enough for me, so he decided it was my mission to help those struggling. He personally feel that Veterans, Police Officers and Fire Fighters need more. As a community of defenders, we need a common ground to speak about what is tearing apart the hearts and minds of these heroes. A place where they can speak freely with likeminded professionals about the daily toll these professions take on our minds, our souls and our family lives. He has personally experienced the effects of war, traumatic injury and homicide. There are times where I have felt alone, like there was no place for me to feel comfortable speaking about the internal turmoil. I wanted to speak with people just like me, relatable individuals who would not judge but would listen. "I personally feel that Veterans, Police Officers and Fire Fighters need more. As a community of defenders, we need a common ground to speak about what is tearing apart the hearts and minds of these heroes." Scott also has seen the devastation left behind with the surviving families. Su***de is not openly spoken about and many people still find shame in admitting that they lost loved ones to su***de. Mr. Hyder started this foundation with the hopes to provide not only those suffering but the families of those suffering a safe, non-judgemental environment for healing and coping.
