TRIGGER WARNING:
Trauma including: death, violence, drugs, and suicide.
This episode is definitely NOT for little ears.

Curious in seeing the status of your own mental health?
Take our one-minute FREE quiz online to find out where you stand and what you can do about it.

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What happens when a dedicated police officer confronts unimaginable trauma head-on? Join us as former Met Police Officer Joe shares her gripping and emotional journey through the highs and lows of her law enforcement career.

From the early days as a new recruit, facing unimaginable challenges like the death of a sergeant and witnessing a suicide, Joe offers a raw and candid look at her experiences. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, detailing the camaraderie and friendships formed in a predominantly male environment, alongside the mental health struggles that come with the territory.

As Joe opens up about her personal battles with stress, trauma, and chronic pain, we delve into the importance of mental health support for officers. Her transition from policing to counselling is a testament to the transformative power of therapy, not just for herself, but for victims of serious crimes as well.

Through her candid reflections, Joe emphasises the necessity of acknowledging and addressing the invisible burdens officers carry, while advocating for better emotional support systems within the police service.

In the face of adversity, Joe's journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Overcoming addiction and finding new purpose in counselling, she uses her past experiences to connect deeply with those she helps today. Her insights into the barriers officers face in seeking mental health support highlight the urgent need for empathy and understanding within emergency services.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking stereotypes and encouraging officers to seek help, paving the way for a culture of openness and healing in law enforcement.

https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

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Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

What happens when the life you've meticulously built is suddenly thrown into chaos by unforeseen health challenges?

Sharon Williams, a former police detective, offers a deeply personal narrative about navigating the tumultuous path to medical retirement. Sharon shares the emotional rollercoaster that began with a spinal fracture, setting off a journey filled with administrative hurdles, health crises, and the struggle to maintain resilience amidst such life-altering changes.

Throughout this poignant episode, Sharon opens up about the loss of independence, her identity and the daunting process of rebuilding both personal and professional life after an unexpected early retirement.

She candidly discusses the financial anxieties and societal assumptions of stability that accompany such a transition, while revealing who truly stands by during difficult times. Sharon's reflections emphasise the importance of authenticity and the courage it takes to confront fears head-on, encouraging a collective effort in mental health awareness and stressing that seeking help is indeed a strength. Join Sharon in this insightful conversation that reminds us all of the power of resilience and the importance of being true to oneself.

https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

Can you imagine balancing a high-stress career in emergency services while managing chronic illnesses? In this episode of the Blue Light Diaries, we promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the unique struggles faced by emergency service workers living with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and fibromyalgia.

Through personal narratives and real-life examples, we uncover the often-hidden toll that such conditions can take, emphasising the importance of education and empathy in battling ignorance and stigma.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

Ever wondered why police officers are particularly susceptible to PTSD and CPTSD? Join me, Sharon Williams, on this enlightening episode of the Blue Light Diaries as we explore how (C)PTSD is destroying the police service.

We'll unpack what PTSD and Complex PTSD are, and through compelling statistics and narratives, reveal the alarming prevalence of these mental health issues among officers, past and present.

https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

TRIGGER WARNING
(Mention (briefly) of recalling various crime scenes whilst driving around areas previously worked in)


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https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

Police Federation Website - link (stats on leaving)
https://www.polfed.org/westmercia/news/2024/more-must-be-done-as-record-number-of-officers-resign/#:~:text=The%20leaver%20rate%20for%20police,low%20as%200.8%20per%20cent.


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https://www.bluelightcounselling.co.uk/freequiz

Take our FREE Quiz to check your mental health status.
This quiz will give you an indication if whether it's advised that you would benefit from seeking support.

Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod

Welcome to The Blue Light Diaries, the podcast for all those working in the emergency services to share their stories of life both inside and outside of the workplace.

This podcast is designed to give you a place to share your stories of working in the emergency services, from the real people behind the uniform, past and present.

It's the space to be open and honest about the realities of working in roles within the police service, fire service, and ambulance service. Also, not forgetting the support staff behind the scenes who keep it all together despite their huge challenges and frustrations too!

Whether it's directly work-related, or a tale from your life, this is the space for all to share.

I'm Sharon Williams, your ex-police detective turned therapist, and now podcast host, and I'll be with you along the way to make sure everyone has a voice in the emergency services.

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Follow Sharon on Instagram, Facebook and LinkdIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelightcounselling?igsh=MW5nNWN6dWptd3Q3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/qnU8Niqddu8cscpm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-williams-b99157182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Podcast music created by Kadien, listen to more or get your own podcast music
here: www.soundcloud.com/kadienpod