Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.
A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.
In this episode, Erin speaks with Doug White, a United States Air Force Veteran, where he was a Security Forces Specialist, and a career spanning 25 years in Law Enforcement as Deputy Sheriff in Florida.
Since retiring in July 2023, Doug has become a mental health advocate for the First Responder and Veteran community, sharing his own personal story and struggles in the published memoir "Hiding In Plain Sight; The Truth About Trauma, Service and the Way Forward." He also is a podcast host, with "Tell This Story" where he shares important conversations with First Responders and Veterans.
Doug tells Erin about being raised with a strong sense of service, which led him to join the Air Force. His role as a Security Specialist involved service at US-SOCOM, including returning to active duty after 9/11 to continue to serve his country.
Prior to the events of 9/11, Doug had already began his career in Law Enforcement with a major agency in Florida, where his roles ranged from FTO, instructor, patrolman, supervisor and he goes into detail about his time as a certified bomb technician. He served for 25 years with this department with dedication, tenacity and commitment, but eventually, to the detriment to his mental health and personal relationships.
A cumulation of exposure to trauma, poor coping skills and lack of sleep after a promotion had Doug on midnight shifts, unfortunately left him struggling both physically and psychologically. He shares with Erin about experiencing suicidal thoughts and ideation one night in 2019, leaving him all alone in a car park one night, with a firearm in his hand. This was a turning point for Doug and with the incredible support of his wife Michelle, he was able to start receiving some help.
He didn't retire until July 2023, so endured the rest of his career dealing with PTS and some other mental health challenges, but this is evidence of Doug's immense resilience and ability to rise when faced with adversity. After retirement, Doug began to journal and realised his story and experience was one worthy of sharing. To explain that post traumatic growth is possible and share the mistakes he made along the way, like prioritising his career opportunities over dedication to his family, something he has worked hard to rectify since.
His book "Hiding In Plain Sight" truly is a raw, heartfelt read, that speaks not only to Veterans and First Responders, but their spouses and partners too. As they discuss, Doug is very much still in the trenches when it comes to his healing journey, but everything about this man is decent, authentic and inspiring. Through his podcast and foundation "Tell This Story", Doug's mission is a powerful one and is resonating with this community all over the country.
It was an absolute privilege to speak with Doug and this is a really special episode that we both hope you enjoy listening to. His pull-no-punches style resonates because of its pure authenticity and I encourage everyone to read his book, which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Plain-Sight-Service-Forward/dp/B0DJRY7W72
Please follow him on FB/IG at Tell This Story or jump on his website https://dougwhiteofficial.com/ to reach out for a speaking engagement or information about his podcast.
Reach out to Erin Jane:
Email: info@erinjanecoaching.com
Website: https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinjanecoaching
Call or Text: +1 617 396 4695
YouTube Ep: https://youtu.be/gT2gJM3r2OQ
