S 3 E: 7 From Trauma to Triumph: A Police Officer's Story

United States of PTSD

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How does a seasoned police officer navigate the mental health challenges that come with the job? Captain Adam Myers, an officer with over two decades of experience, opens up about his journey through trauma and recovery in the latest episode of United States of PTSD. He takes us on a gripping ride through the aftermath of a critical incident where he was forced to use deadly force, sharing the emotional turmoil and complexities of such life-altering events. Adam's story is not just about the incident itself but also about the unhealthy coping mechanisms it triggered and his eventual path to healing.
Throughout this compelling episode, we explore the broader themes of mental health in law enforcement, particularly the stigma that surrounds it in male-dominated professions. Adam candidly discusses his struggles with addiction and self-harm, shedding light on the destructive behaviors that often follow traumatic experiences. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of therapy, medication, and open communication in overcoming these barriers. With the help of a supportive friend, Amy, Adam found his way back to a healthier state of mind, highlighting the pivotal role of compassionate leadership and peer support in fostering a supportive environment for officers.
Listeners will gain insights into the evolving perceptions of law enforcement and the public scrutiny officers face, which adds another layer to their mental health challenges. This episode is a call to action for open discussions about mental health, encouraging both officers and the public to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding. Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the mental health struggles faced by first responders, and learn how we can all contribute to a culture of support and awareness.
From Capt Meyers:
The Aftermath: My Life after a Critical Incident

My name is Adam and I have been a Police Officer in Wisconsin for 23 years. I am also a Certified Peer Specialist in Wisconsin. I began my law enforcement career in 2001 after serving as an active duty United States Army Military Policeman. In April 2016, I was involved in a critical incident that changed my life forever when I used deadly force on someone who armed themselves with a hatchet inside a busy department store. This person died.

I suffered in silence for many years after my critical incident and I am ashamed for the ways I poorly coped. I still feel shame for the ways I coped and treated people. I find it hard to believe that nobody realized or even had a gut feeling that I was not doing well. I could not have been that good at hiding my poor coping strategies, or was I? I have always wondered if people were slowly watching me self-destruct because they did not know what to say to me, how to help me, or they simply did not want to get involved.

It has taken me many years to get back on track. There are many different coping strategies people may use after experiencing trauma. They may be good and healthy, or they may be bad and unhealthy. My coping strategies were bad, unhealthy, self-destructive, and dangerous. I used alcohol, marijuana, casual sex, and self-harm as some of my poor coping strategie

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4
Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.
Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.
Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy
Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
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챕터

1. S 3 E: 7 From Trauma to Triumph: A Police Officer's Story (00:00:00)

2. Mental Health Impact on First Responders (00:00:15)

3. Healing From Trauma and Addiction (00:10:47)

4. Surviving Trauma (00:15:22)

5. Dealing With Mental Health and Stigma (00:20:28)

6. Fighting Stigma in Mental Health (00:31:25)

7. Supporting Law Enforcement Amidst Stigma (00:44:22)

8. Overcoming Stigma in Seeking Help (00:53:43)

9. Supporting Police Mental Health Through Communication (00:58:34)

10. Normalizing Mental Health Through Communication (01:08:46)