136. Laverne Friesen

heCast: The Official Podcast of HeChangedIt

Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer, shares her journey of struggle, mental health challenges, and finding hope. She spent 15 years in law enforcement, experiencing the trauma and stress associated with the job. Laverne discusses the fear and danger she faced, as well as the impact it had on her mental health. She opens up about her battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and the difficulty of navigating the mental health crisis while working in law enforcement. Laverne emphasizes the importance of holding space for others and breaking the stigma around mental health. Laverne Friesen shares his journey of leaving law enforcement and finding self-love and healing. He reflects on the lessons he learned during his time in law enforcement and the toxic environment that led to his mental health decline. Laverne emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and finding people who will hold space for you. He also discusses his transformation through self-love and the impact it has had on his life. Laverne has developed a 12-week course called 'Transformation Through Honor' to help others on their healing journey.

Takeaways

• Turning negatives into positives can be valuable and lead to learning, insight, motivation, and inspiration for others.
• Law enforcement jobs have evolved and require officers to wear many hats, including being counselors.
• The stigma around mental health in law enforcement needs to be addressed, and support and resources should be provided.
• Holding space for others and offering support can make a significant difference in someone's life.
• Awareness and understanding of mental health issues can help create a more compassionate and supportive environment. Law enforcement can be a toxic environment that takes a toll on mental health.
• Reaching out for support and finding people who will hold space for you is crucial.
• Self-love and honoring yourself are transformative and can lead to healing.
• There is always a way to overcome struggles and find a path to a better life.

Learn more about Laverne here:

Laverne of Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/LaverneFriesen97 Follow Laverne on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@trueemotionhealing

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