Trigger warning, this podcast contains discussions relating to PTSD, trauma, mental health, suicide and other potentially distressing experiences. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can call Lifeline on 131114.
PTSD is something we are very aware of now, but what if you developed PTSD from traumatic experiences while working in the police force decades ago? And how would you handle living with that without diagnosis?
Keith Banks is a former police officer, bestselling author and mental health advocate. He speaks powerfully on trauma, resilience, mental fitness and rebuilding life after adversity.
In this episode he shares:
- His childhood experience of trauma
- Why he was drawn to dangerous police work
- The fatal shooting that changed everything
- The toll of losing his best friend in the line of duty
- Living with undiagnosed PTSD for decades
- How trauma affected his family life
- The diagnosis that changed everything
- His understanding of post-traumatic growth
- How he found purpose after policing
- The power of connection and community
- How karate became part of his healing
- Why it is never too late to heal
Key Quotes
“I thought I was alone in this whole morass of trauma and pain.”
“I had a dark side that was taking over that previously happy, joyful little dude.”
“I had the classic symptoms, the nightmares, the flashbacks, the hypervigilance, the anger, the drinking, all of that.”
More about Keith
Follow Keith on Instagram, find out more via his website, or read his books.
You can get involved with the podcast online
You can follow us on Instagram.
Find out more via my website.
You can reach out to me via email.
","author_name":"Effie Jordan"}