The Team Ten Eight Podcast
Founded in 2021 and inspired by the radio code for “in service,” the Team Ten Eight Podcast is a tribute to the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others.
This platform is about more than uniforms or titles—it’s about the people behind them. Through candid conversations, our guests share their unique stories and personal perspectives on life in law enforcement, emergency services, and the military.
The Team Ten Eight Podcast takes you behind the scenes and beyond the badge, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of these professions. Together, we explore the issues that matter most and celebrate the service and sacrifices made by these remarkable individuals.
Join us as we honour their journeys—simply by listening.
The Team Ten Eight Podcast
Christopher Litrell: The Breaking Point
Summary
In this episode, Christopher Littrell, a former police officer and mental health advocate, shares his journey of resilience and healing. He discusses the impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Litrell also opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and the role it played in his mental health. He emphasizes the significance of mutual support in marriage and the need for first responders to seek help and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, Littrell's story highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Chris Littrell shares his personal journey of dealing with post-traumatic stress and the importance of seeking help. He emphasizes the need for a culturally competent counselor and employer support. Chris also discusses the impact of an intensive treatment program and the value of self-care practices, including talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware. He concludes by providing his top three must-do's for someone struggling and shares how to connect with him.
Takeaways
- Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on first responders, leading to mental health struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Having a strong support system, both within and outside of the law enforcement community, is crucial for coping with the challenges of the job.
- Balancing personal and professional life is essential for maintaining mental well-being. Setting boundaries, seeking help, and prioritizing self-care are important strategies.
- Alcohol abuse can be a coping mechanism for first responders, but it can also exacerbate mental health issues. Seeking treatment and finding healthier ways to cope are essential for recovery. Seeking help is crucial for dealing with post-traumatic stress.
- Culturally competent counselors are essential for effective treatment.
- Employer support is vital in creating a supportive environment for employees.
- Intensive treatment programs can have a significant impact on recovery.
- Self-care practices, such as talking to trusted individuals and being self-aware, are essential for overall well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:26 Transition to Law Enforcement
06:21 Impact of Traumatic Experiences
09:21 Importance of Mutual Support in Marriage
12:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
13:05 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma
14:45 Cumulative Trauma and PTSD
20:16 Supporting Spouses and Sharing Responsibilities
23:24 Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Struggles
25:13 Reaching Out for Help
26:09 Importance of Mental Health Support for First Responders
26:19 The Importance of Seeking Help
32:01 Employer Support
38:07 Chief Guerrero's Response
40:47 Intensive Treatment Program
45:31 The Value of Intensive Treatment
47:40 Self-Care Practices
53:52 Top Three Must-Do's for Someone Struggling
57:41 Connecting with Chris Littrell
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