In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Courtney Luxen from the Calgary Police Service shares her journey of overcoming functional neurological disorder (FND) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She initially joined the police service with a background in sports medicine but fell in love with the idea of becoming a cop after seeing a female officer in action. Courtney experienced various physical symptoms, including uncontrollable blinking, breathing difficulties, and loss of motor control. After a long and challenging recovery process, she returned to work in a part-time capacity and now advocates for mental health and wellness within the police service.

Takeaways

Seeking therapy and regular check-ins with a mental health professional are essential for everyone, especially those in high-stress professions like policing.

Maintaining physical health, practicing gratitude, and incorporating breath work and meditation can contribute to overall well-being and resilience.

Don't judge others and avoid comparing yourself to others. Each person's journey is unique, and it's important to focus on your own progress.

Recovery from mental health challenges is a lifelong journey, and it's crucial to have a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues.

Never lose hope. Even in the darkest times, there is always the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:12 Becoming a Police Officer

04:05 Getting Sick and Seeking Help

08:25 Diagnosis and Treatment

10:49 Recovery and Rehabilitation

27:00 Returning to Work and Advocating for Mental Health

30:29 Lessons Learned and Advice

34:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways