Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization here:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
QUESTIONS: Please call: 970-306-7799 or send an email to Gary Miller at garymiller@ptsd911movie.com
82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill
Guest: Kris O’Neill
Host: Conrad Weaver
Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast
In this episode, retired officer Kris O'Neill opens up about the day that forever changed his life: January 28, 2017. Kris shares the harrowing experience of being forced to make a life-or-death decision while on duty in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He walks us through the trauma, the aftermath, the lack of structured support, and how the culture within law enforcement made it harder to seek help.
From his roots in a law enforcement family to battling PTSD after a second critical incident, Kris talks candidly about mental health challenges and the long road to recovery. Today, he’s not only found purpose in healing but also supports others as a peer counselor with Hakes Wellness Solutions.
Kris’s critical incident and its lasting impact
The silence and stigma in law enforcement culture
Catholic guilt and moral injury after a deadly use of force
The slow, difficult journey through PTSD
The role of peer support and how it’s changing law enforcement wellness
Why culturally competent therapy is essential for first responders
Advice for departments on building trust and wellness programs
What Kris wishes he had in place during his career
The turning point in his recovery and finding purpose through sharing his story
“It added some purpose to the pain I’ve gone through.”
“The brain is our most important tool, and it needs maintenance too.”
“Peer support used to be going out for a beer… now it's structured, trained, and protected.”
“I didn’t want to burden my wife, but I didn’t know who else to talk to.”
🧭 Resources & Contact:
Hakes Wellness Solutions: hakeswellnesssolutions.com
Contact Kris: https://mailchi.mp/ptsd911movie/first-responder-wellness-podcast-live
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization:
https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
