The Job That DESTROYED Me | Former Detective Darren Ryan

Former Detective Darren Ryan joins the Pocket Sergeant Podcast to reveal the psychological cost of investigating some of the most serious crimes in policing.

For years, Darren worked high-risk safeguarding and exploitation cases. He protected vulnerable victims and carried the responsibility that comes with child protection investigations.

But repeated exposure to trauma doesn’t just disappear when the shift ends.

In this episode, Darren speaks openly about:

• The cumulative impact of investigating child abuse
• How trauma can surface years later
• Hypervigilance, sleep disruption and intrusive memories
• The warning signs many officers ignore
• Alcohol as a coping mechanism
• Ill-health retirement and the battle that followed
• Rebuilding identity after losing the uniform
• Why mental health support in policing must change

This isn’t about weakness.
It’s about being human.

Email Darren: [e-mail]

Instagram: @lifelinecoachingandmentoring

Darren now runs Lifeline Coaching & Mentoring, helping others navigate trauma, career transition and recovery.

He is also the author of LIFELINE: HOW A FORMER DETECTIVE SURVIVED PTSD AND HOW YOU CAN TOO

If you work in policing, emergency services, safeguarding, military — or support someone who does — this conversation matters.

Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions!

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