Episode 72

Summary

This episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast features Katie West, a civilian transcriptionist for the RCMP, who opens up about her journey through chronic stress and PTSD.

Often overlooked, civilian staff like transcriptionists and 911 operators are regularly exposed to traumatic content, yet lack the same mental health support systems available to front-line officers.

Katie shares her deeply personal experiences with PTSD, detailing the toll of listening to traumatic cases for hours on end and the difficulties she faced when seeking help. She discusses the systemic gaps in mental health support for civilian roles, her challenges with WorkSafe, and the need for greater understanding and resources for "trauma-exposed professionals."

Through her story, Katie advocates for change and sheds light on the unseen struggles of those working behind the scenes in law enforcement, urging for a more inclusive approach to mental health care for all first responder staff.