It is estimated that, on average, approximately 15% of officers in the U.S. experience PTSD symptoms. More police officers and firefighters die by suicide than in the line of duty. They are front-row witnesses to horrific atrocities including, suicides, motor vehicle accidents that result in trauma and/or death, child abuse or neglect, overdoses, and acts of domestic violence. Exposure to these traumatic daily events impairs their well-being and affects their ability to perform duties to the public. Long-term effects of PTSD often lead to behavioral dysfunction such as substance abuse, aggression, and suicide. Sadly, many officers do not seek help due to the shame and guilt associated with PTSD.
For these reasons, our very own Detective Chris Anderson is co-authoring a book with former police officer, Kevin Donaldson, addressing the impact of trauma and PTSD on law enforcement. In this episode of Crime & Cookie Juice, Anderson and Donaldson discuss their individual experiences with nearly losing their lives in the line of duty, and nearly losing themselves and their families in the aftermath of these traumatic events. Anderson & Donaldson are on a mission to destigmatize mental-health issues in law enforcement.
About Kevin Donaldson: Surviving post traumatic stress and multiple suicide attempts, Kevin Donaldson found resiliency in the embrace of his trauma. Retiring from the police department in New Jersey in 2014 after being involved in a shooting during a domestic incident, Kevin struggled to find peace inside his own chaotic mind dealing with feelings that were foreign and new while fighting through the difficulties that life threw his way. Kevin now chronicles his struggles by speaking out and destigmatizing mental health to find resiliency in facing suffering head-on by showing that there is a way to find your smile once again.
Donaldson is co-authoring the book, 'Man, You Are Crazy', chronicling his journey into and out of the darkness exploring mental health in the police world.
You can also find his podcast, The Suffering, here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGDxHh-YMFhKQ17L0_8PWA
Follow Kevin Donaldson on IG @realkevindonaldson
https://www.realkevindonaldson.com/#HOME
Join the stars of ID's hit show, Reasonable Doubt, Detective Chris Anderson and Fatima Silva, Esq. for the podcast that fans have been waiting for. Chris and Fatima talk all things true crime, including cases they investigated on Reasonable Doubt.
About Chris Anderson and Fatima Silva:
Retired homicide detective Chris Anderson and criminal defense attorney Fatima Silva have spent years helping desperate families who believe their loved ones were wrongfully convicted of murder. In their new podcast, Crime & Cookie Juice, Chris and Fatima talk about cases that they are passionate about while enjoying their favorite glass of "Cookie Juice" aka bourbon. Join Chris and Fatima as they pour their bourbon and pore into evidence.
Reasonable Doubt (Seasons 1-5) airs on Investigation and Discovery Plus. On their hit tv show, "Reasonable Doubt, " Chris and Fatima were forced to decide whether there's really been a wrongful conviction or whether the family needs to face the bitter truth that their loved one is guilty as charged. "Reasonable Doubt" is a hard-hitting, balanced, and emotional look at the United States criminal justice system. Learn more about the stars and reach out!
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Follow Fatima on Social: IG/Facebook/Twitter: @fatimasilvaesq
Follow Chris on Social: Facebook: @detectivesergeantchrisanderson IG: @detective_christopher_anderson Twitter: @Det_CAnderson
