Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Gary Jarboe, Retired Marine & Police Sergeant

Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode, Jennifer and Ashlee sit down with Gary Jarboe, a retired police sergeant and Marine Corps veteran, to discuss mental health in first responder careers and beyond. Gary shares openly about his military background, long law enforcement career, personal challenges, and the journey toward seeking mental health support, even long after retirement.

The conversation dives deep into breaking the stigma surrounding mental health for first responders, the impact of career stress on family life, and the power of vulnerability. Gary also provides heartfelt advice to younger generations entering public service, emphasizing the importance of not holding back when it comes to getting help.

Key Topics Covered

Challenges of Seeking Help: Stigma around mental health for police and veterans; how the culture of “sucking it up” impacted both work and home.

Impact on Family: The difficulty of sharing traumatic experiences with loved ones; how avoiding vulnerability affected relationships, especially with his wife and children.

Turning Point: Discovering a first responder-focused mental health program (PCIS) after retirement—Gary’s reflections on finally opening up and how it strengthened his marriage and communication with his family.

Advice for New First Responders: Don’t wait to get help; keep your “bucket” from overflowing; acknowledge and address mental health needs early.

Destigmatizing Mental Health: The importance of finding the right provider who understands first responder culture, and why programs tailored for police and veterans are so crucial.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

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