#9 The Hidden Trauma Police Officers Carry: Leon Astley on Mental Health, Resilience & Recovery

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of I’m Fine: The Truth Behind the Smile with Jayne Ellis, Jayne sits down with serving police officer Leon Astley, whose 23-year career has taken him from the Royal Air Force to frontline policing, public order operations, mounted units and riot policing in London.Leon opens up about the emotional realities behind the uniform - the trauma officers silently carry, the incidents that stay with them forever and how years of witnessing tragedy slowly took a toll on his mental health. From fatal car crashes and violent crime scenes to the devastating Reading terror attack, Leon shares how the pressure to “just get on with it” nearly broke him.This episode explores the changing culture around mental health within policing, the importance of vulnerability and leadership and why speaking up is no longer seen as weakness. Leon also speaks candidly about therapy, anxiety, burnout and the life-changing impact of breathwork and support charities including the Curtis Palmer Program and The Breath Connection.Alongside the heartbreak, Leon also reflects on the humour, camaraderie and humanity that exists within the police service - and why kindness, self-awareness and talking openly can save lives.A moving, eye-opening conversation about trauma, resilience, healing and the truth behind the smile.Charities & Organisations Mentioned:Curtis Palmer Program — Police and veteran mental health support charity. https://curtispalmerprogram.org/   The Breath Connection — Breathwork and wellbeing programmes supporting mental health and trauma recovery. https://www.thebreathconnection.org/ EF training exists because nobody should have to pour from an empty cup. Founded by Jayne Ellis who learnt the hard way so you don't have too.If today's conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, share and leave a review - it helps more professionals who care find this community.If you or someone you know would like to join the conversation and be a guest on our podcast, please get in touch. Connect with us at [email protected] us at http://eftraining.co.uk for more information about Jayne Ellis and learn about our Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Resilience Training for Organisations and Individuals.Please note: This podcast is intended for education and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or contact your GP. The views and options expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, values or position of EF training Ltd. Guest content is shared in the spirit of open conversation, learning and intended as a safe space for honest dialogue.