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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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


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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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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

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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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

The Blue Light Diaries - Trailer

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

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