In today's episode, we speak with Andrew Ayres, a detective sergeant from Queensland Police, Australia. Andrew has been in the police force since 1992 and has seen his fair share of confronting situations. Whereas first responders, like paramedics, are the first to a scene, it is police like Andrew that see through the whole investigation. It is with this factor that PTSD is common in those serving in the police force.

In 2014, what started off as a few cups of coffee with work mates going through their own mental health journeys, has now turned into Blue Hope. Co-founded by Andrew, Blue Hope is a not-for-profit charity that provides support for current and former police officers around Australia.

In this episode Andrew talks about his own PTSD journey, the changing views on mental health and PTSD in the police force, the situations that police are confronted with, how common PTSD is in those in the police force, what needs to be worked on in the police culture towards PTSD, and how family members of police officers affected by PTSD can help. 

“If you’ve done significant time (in policing) or even been exposed to one traumatic incident, the PTSD monster is there.” - Andrew Ayres on this episode of Wellbeing

Tune in tomorrow when we speak to Canadian Police officer Laura Kloosterman about her PTSD journey.

We would love to hear from you! If you would like to suggest topics, give us feedback, or just say hi, you can contact us on [email protected]

Hosted and Produced by Jack Hodgins   
Wellbeing website: https://www.2nurfm.com.au/wellbeing 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.