My name is Daniel and I am a serving NSW Police Officer. I have been struggling with depression, anxiety and nightmares for the better part of two years with it all coming to head while at work at the start of the year. This whole journey has been very hard on my confidence and self esteem and has affected my personal relationships.
I reluctantly took stress leave from work when I finally acknowledged I wasn't coping well and decided to focus on myself. I started developing a plan to get myself back to the person I used to be.
I first heard about Dean and Gina's Forge Through Program word of mouth when i first went off work and it certainly peaked my interest but I was reluctant to reach out because of my irrational fears and lack of self esteem. I was encouraged to reach out to Dean and did so. Dean is super supportive and very approachable.
I used the course as a final step and corner stone in my stress leave to get me to a point where I could return to work.
When I arrived at the course I was greeted by Dean, Gina and my mentor for the course, Seary. (Med retired police) I felt immediately at home and supported from the moment I arrived and continue to feel that support after the course ended.
It is difficult to put into words the benefit the course has had for me but I would recommend this course to anyone who has experienced trauma and is finding that they are struggling. Do not listen to those negative feelings that you will be judged or not fit in. I assure you that there is immense support through the program and you leave the course feeling part of a family that you want to be a part of.
Daniel - NSW Police operational