Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
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Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
Beck House's Fight for Mental Health Awareness After a Crisis
Life After Public Service
52 minutes
2 months ago
Beck House's Fight for Mental Health Awareness After a Crisis
In this episode, Donna interviews Beck House, a former police officer whose journey through mental health challenges and recovery is both harrowing and inspiring. Beck shares her early passion for public service, her experiences in the police force, and the traumatic events that led to a mental health crisis, including a prescribed drug-induced psychotic episode. She candidly discusses the inadequate support she received during her struggles and the impact of her experiences on her mental well-being. After a difficult recovery process, Beck found her purpose in helping others by founding a community interest company, SIS (Strength in Struggles), which offers alternative therapeutic options and peer support for those facing mental health challenges.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
From a young age, there was a strong desire to help people, which led to a career in policing. This journey included studying health and social care, criminology, and psychology before joining the police force.
A significant personal loss and relationship breakdown triggered a mental health crisis, leading to suicidal ideations and a breakdown that resulted in being sectioned and experiencing traumatic treatment in a psychiatric unit.
The initial treatment involved antidepressants that worsened anxiety and led to a drug-induced psychotic episode. This experience highlighted the complexities and potential negative effects of psychiatric medications.
After a difficult recovery process, including accessing better mental health support, there was a shift towards helping others. This included writing a book about personal experiences and founding a community interest company focused on mental health support and alternative therapies.
BEST MOMENTS
"I was the last one to speak to her on the phone. And although I'd dealt with a lot of death in the police by this point, this was my own first significant personal bereavement."
"I was terrified to step a foot out of place. It wasn't long before the other patients found out that I was a serving police officer."
"I was sat there on the cell floor thinking, what, what has my life come to? Like, how have I ended up?"
"I was literally carried out by my arms and legs to the police van."
"I still think there's a place and a need for medication and I'd never discourage people from taking it."
GUEST LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/s.i.s_strengthinstruggles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-house-1917462b0
ABOUT THE HOST
Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS
https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/
Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr
This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Life After Public Service
Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.
She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
