⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and trauma that may be triggering for listeners with PTSD or related experiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Andrew spent 18 years as a police constable with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, after starting his career as a news reporter. He served three years as a Detective in the General Investigations Unit, leading major cases involving shootings, stabbings, armed robberies, and gang‑related violence. On front‑line patrol, he stepped into the role of acting Sergeant and coached new recruits entering the job he once loved.

In May 2021, the weight of everything he had seen — and everything he had carried alone — finally broke through. Andrew was diagnosed with Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder and has been off duty since. During that time, he wrote a book about his descent into PTSD and the long climb back, becoming an advocate for emergency‑service mental health and the people who are still silently drowning inside the uniform.

This conversation isn’t polished. It isn’t rehearsed. It’s Andrew telling the truth as he lived it — the moments that shaped him, the ones that scarred him, and the ones he’s still trying to understand.

This episode is part 1 of 2. This part covers Andrew speaking to what contributed to his unset of complex PTSD and finally his collapse. Part 2 will be published the last part of June and will chronicle his road to recovery.

We need to improve the process. PTSD effects a large part of the population between the inflicted and there love ones. It also has a effect on the recruitment of the hero's - the first responders.

Andrew Lorne McLean

Website: beaten-black-and-blue.com/beaten-black-blue

Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Beaten-Black-Blue-Journey-Light-ebook/dp/B0F5BMPPN3

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