A single ride-along changed Jeff Otis’s life forever, launching a 26-year career in law enforcement marked by tragedy, trauma, and ultimately, profound healing. His journey began with heartbreak when a fellow officer and friend was killed during a routine call—while Jeff was still in training. From that moment, he lived under constant hypervigilance, navigating standoffs, officer-down situations, and countless traumatic crime scenes. Through raw, honest conversation, Jeff pulls back the curtain on the psychological price of protection, revealing how officers are taught to "suck it up" rather than heal.
When symptoms of PTSD finally surfaced—panic attacks, night terrors, debilitating headaches—Jeff tried to push through until a move to Vero Beach, Florida opened the door to real healing. Through community policing and innovative therapies like ketamine treatment and ceremonial plant medicine, he found freedom from decades of silent suffering. Jeff’s story shatters stereotypes about first responders, showing that seeking help isn’t weakness—it's strength. His journey is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being carrying extraordinary experiences, often without enough support.
Contact Jeff: jefferyotis@hotmail.com
Resources discussed in this episode:
Bella Vida Chapel Sacrament Ceremonies in Melbourne Florida
https://www.bellavidachapel.com
Emerald Health - Comprehensive Primary Care Medical Clinic in Vero Beach, FL
https://www.emerald-medical.com
Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/
Popular Podcasts
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.