STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A career filled with tragedy, trauma and "liquid grief" came with an enormous cost, and it drove Michael Ferrara to consider the most extreme option.

"I clear the weapon, hold it up to my head and pull the trigger," Ferrara said. "I realize this is a dress rehearsal. I know I'm in trouble."

Ferrara told his story to a group of area emergency responders on March 12 with the hopes of educating them about the warning signs and the consequences if mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are left untreated. He said first responders are t...