Breaking The Stigma: A Veteran Cop's Journey to Mental Wellness

In the high-stakes world of law enforcement, mental health often takes a backseat to the daily grind of protecting and serving. But what happens when the protectors need protection themselves? This episode of RISEUP: Voices from the Front Lines brings us face-to-face with this critical issue through the eyes of Brad Steve, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement.

Brad's story isn't just about survival—it's about transformation. From a tough-as-nails cop to a vocal mental health advocate, his journey sheds light on the hidden struggles many officers face and the urgent need for change in how we approach mental wellness in law enforcement.

A Career Forged in Adrenaline

Brad's early years in law enforcement were fueled by excitement and a sense of invincibility. "First few years it was exciting," he recalls. "You think you're, you know, it's just that adrenaline." This high-octane start is common for many officers, but it often masks the toll that constant exposure to trauma can take.

The Turning Point

January 14, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in Brad's life. A routine call turned into a shootout, with Brad taking a bullet to his vest. While he walked away physically unscathed, this incident unleashed a flood of suppressed trauma from his years on the force.

"I think that was the Pandora's box that opened up the floodgates," Brad explains. "It wasn't the incident of shooting itself, but I think that's just, you know, it was so traumatic that it opened up the floodgates to all the other trauma."

This moment of crisis is all too common in law enforcement. The question is: what happens next?

Breaking Down Walls

For Brad, the answer came in the form of a difficult but necessary decision—to seek help. This choice, which many officers fear could end their careers, actually opened up a new chapter in Brad's life.

"When I seen it really affecting, you know, my family, my kids noticed it... I finally made that determination, was self-aware enough where I said, you know, I need to go away."

Brad's decision to attend Harbor Grace, a mental health and wellness program for first responders and military personnel, marked a turning point not just in his personal life, but in his approach to mental health in law enforcement as a whole.

The Stigma Barrier

One of the most significant obstacles to mental wellness in law enforcement is the pervasive stigma surrounding seeking help. Brad puts it bluntly: "You still feel weak because that stigma that's still put on there and how you're looked at."

This stigma isn't just a matter of personal pride—it can have real, career-ending consequences. In New York State, for instance, the SAFE Act can lead to officers losing their guns and jobs if they admit to mental health struggles.

Brad's message? "Get rid of that stigma. There's always people out here that are willing to talk to you."

A Vision for the Future

Brad's experience has led him to advocate for a fundamental shift in how law enforcement approaches mental health:

• Regular, normalized mental health check-ins

• Confidential, accessible therapy options

• Changes in legislation to protect officers seeking help

• Community-based support systems for first responders

"I hope it's even. It's just there. It's just like another training and it's, it's not looked at and there's no stigma attached to it," Brad envisions for the future of law enforcement mental health care.

What We Learned About Mental Wellness in Law Enforcement

Brad's journey from a hardened cop to a mental health advocate offers valuable lessons for anyone in high-stress professions:

1. Vulnerability is strength: Asking for help takes more courage than staying silent.

2. Community matters: Having a support system of peers who understand your struggles is crucial.

3. Systemic change is necessary: Policies and culture need to evolve to support mental wellness.

4. Early intervention is key: Don't wait for a crisis to address mental health concerns.

As Brad puts it, "If we have healthy cops on the street, you're gonna have way better decisions."

Your Next Steps

If you're a first responder struggling with mental health, remember: you're not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Here are some resources to get started:

• Check out the RISEUP Responders community for online support. (coming soon!)

• Look into programs like Harbor Grace that specialize in first responder mental health.

• Read "Ruby Slippers," a book Brad found particularly helpful during his recovery.

Donate now to support Responder Mental Health and Wellness through the 501C3 Non Profit BATTLE2BE

Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical safety. By taking care of yourself, you're not just improving your own life—you're becoming a better protector for your community.