What if the "winter blues" were more than just a seasonal inconvenience?

Join me, Sharon Williams, in the Blue Light Diaries as we unravel the complexities of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and learn powerful strategies to tackle its impact.

Discover why this condition is not just about feeling a little down when the days get shorter; it's a significant challenge that affects mood, energy, and overall well-being, especially for those working shifts in the emergency services. By tuning in, you'll gain insights into the symptoms and potential causes of SAD, from reduced sunlight exposure to vitamin D deficiency, and learn how they can disrupt life and work during the colder months.

Equipped with this knowledge, we explore practical approaches to manage SAD, helping you reclaim your mental health and vitality. From simple actions like maximising sunlight exposure and using light therapy to maintaining a consistent sleep routine and balanced diet, these strategies are geared to boost wellbeing.

This episode also opens a dialogue with shift workers, offering a platform for sharing personal experiences and coping strategies. Connect, learn, and support each other as we navigate the darker seasons together, ensuring no one faces these challenges alone.

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

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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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

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 LinkedIn
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

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 LinkedIn
Got a story to share? Get in touch here!

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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 LinkedIn
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

What happens when your lifeline for mental health care is itself in crisis?

Join us for a thought-provoking episode of the Blue Light Diaries, where we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked limitations and ethical pitfalls of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) within police services and other emergency sectors.

With firsthand experiences from her work as a counsellor on an EAP helpline, Sharon Williams unravels the stark reality behind the restricted number of counselling sessions, the intricate triage process, and the disturbing confidentiality issues that plague these programs. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone relying on or providing mental health support through EAPs.

We also tackle the critical ethical concerns that arise when confidentiality is compromised within EAP services. From untrained managers dictating counselling practices to the misuse of solution-focused brief therapy for severe cases, the detrimental impact on both clients and counsellors is laid bare.

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!

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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The police force claims to provide adequate mental health support, but is that really the case? Today, we draw a bold comparison between Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" and the mental health support system within policing. Just as Dawkins advocates for scientific inquiry over blind faith, we argue for evidence-based mental health programs to address the systemic issues, funding cuts, and staff shortages that plague our police force. This episode uncovers the gaps between the perceived and actual support available to officers and emphasises the critical need for change.

Imagine working in a high-stress environment with multiple traumas, only to find that the support programs in place are inadequate. We call for a cultural shift towards prioritising mental health within policing, much like Dawkins’ call for rational thinking. Isolated and unsupported, many officers find themselves facing burnout and untreated trauma. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, we explore why traditional mental health programs like EMDR and CBT fall short and the institutional barriers that prevent effective mental health care.

Lastly, we share the stories of officers whose pleas for help were met with rigid and impersonal responses, including my own journey of being rejected by the head of welfare due to a lack of a degree. These experiences underscore the urgent need for a more empathetic and flexible approach to mental health care within policing. We emphasise the importance of seeking help early and urge our listeners to spread the word, fostering a culture of openness and support in the police force and emergency services. Tune in to understand why no one should feel alone in their struggles and how we can work towards meaningful change.

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!

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

Have you ever felt like work is taking over your life, leaving you exhausted and unfulfilled? Join us in this episode of the Blue Light Diaries as we tackle the transformative shift from a traditional work-life balance to a LIFE-work balance.

Through personal stories and experiences, Sharon Williams sheds light on the importance of prioritising life over work. Discover the emotional and physical toll of neglecting self-care, and learn how a life-first approach can prevent burnout, chronic illnesses, and mental health issues. This episode isn’t just about making a living; it’s about making a life worth living.

We delve into practical steps for embracing a LIFE-work balance, providing you with actionable insights to prioritise your personal health and wellbeing.

Reflect on your own balance and consider how rearranging your priorities can lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life. As always, your experiences and insights are welcome, making this discussion not only informative but also interactive and engaging.

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.

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!

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