01-12-2021
The Battle Plan Podcast: Keith Harrison and Opening the Discussion for First Responders
As a police officer for over 15 years, Keith Harrison made the decision in 2018 to put himself first. He knew he was struggling with mental health issues. He didn’t know the extent, but he knew he needed time. He knew he needed help. Keith could recall sitting in tears once he had made the decision to take time away from work. He could recall many days before his decision that he almost lost the internal mental fight. That the world and the people closest to him would be better if he was not to continue. That all the noise, horror and pain would stop and he could be at peace.
Putting himself first meant that his career was over as an officer. The culture and system in which he gave everything to, and then sought help from, would never see him as more than a “broken toy”. How could he put his faith in a system that refused to see him as a human struggling in pain. Keith found himself in a system where stigmas would forever keep him from sharing his pain. Only after he took time off and committed to changing his life, did he realize that he had been dealing with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for his entire
career.
Since 2018, Keith has been committed to a fight, where some days, he would almost lose. He is forever grateful to his support team. Because of them, Keith knows he can be at peace and still be here. From his doctor, outside work support, wellness team, close friends new and old and his loving wife and children, he realizes he has an abundance of support and is blessed. Unfortunately his demons sometimes still won’t let him see it. It continues to be a work in progress.
Keith continues to evolve into what Keith 2.0 will be for others. Will he be someone who will listen, speak or share? How much will he let the world know of himself and his struggles? As he attempts a return to a job after acquiring tools that he wishes were given to him as a rookie police officer, he has made another decision. Keith wants to be the person he didn’t have. He wants to be someone after having time off, that can put themselves first and have a comeback. Keith wants to showcase the people and services that helped him and inspired him to be a full person.
If we put effort into our wellbeing before and after trauma, we can thrive. Mental health has to do with making our wellbeing a priority with tools, support and self care routines. Mental health means focusing on our diet, gut health and healthy routines. We need to listen to our bodies and our self talk so we are not quick to categorize, diminish or box our problems. Proper rest, reflection and pause is ok before we forge on.
Keith is committed to this new journey as he aligns himself with new friends, support and services so that he can make mental health conversation the new normal in which everyone can get behind. He is proud to be able provide funding to programs offered by Wounded Warriors Canada, Toronto Beyond the Blue, Canada Beyond the Blue and Camp Maple Leaf. Tier Response Apparel Company is Keith's' brand. He wants to inspire others to proudly wear this brand knowing that it’s a mission and a cause that is dedicated to helping others. To smash the current narrative and cycle around mental health. One will never have to feel alone because his Tier will be always available.
https://tierresponseapparelcompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/TRapparelcompany
https://www.instagram.com/tr_apparelco
https://twitter.com/ApparelcoTr
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The Battle Plan Podcast
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https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-battle-plan/id1575604786
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https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/c35f4133-61b0-418f-94af-618672cc0604/the-battle-plan
https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/The-Battle-Plan-p1471385
www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-battle-plan-84539033
https://player.fm/series/series-2948544
www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-battle-plan-bruno-guevremont-q2Gtgsero-9
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