Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.
A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.
In this episode, Erin speaks with Chris "Kable" Martinez, a former US Army Ranger, who recently retired from a 24 year policing career, serving with two Police Departments in Floria. Since leaving and experiencing some of his own personal struggles, Chris has focused on becoming an advocate for the mental health and wellness of the Veteran and First Responder communities, by becoming a certified mindset coach and breath-work facilitator. This prompted him to share his knowledge of how breath work can benefit that community, by writing a book.
Chris tells Erin about joining the US Army, becoming a Ranger and how an instructor was pivotal in showing him that he had the potential to be a leader. After leaving the military, the reality of starting a family prompted him to find a steady job to provide for them, so he looked to policing. Something he never imagined for himself!
Chris talks about how much he enjoyed the first eight years of law enforcement at Hialeah PD, only leaving for financial and career opportunities to a newer police department at Miami Gardens. He was able to qualify to be on their SWAT Team, work in patrol and as an RTO throughout his 16 years of service there.
Towards the end of his career, the cumulative trauma exposure of 24 years of policing and an additional 4 years in the army performing reconnaissance Ranger missions began to take their toll. Chris shares openly about his awful mental health spiral, leading to drug addiction, infidelity and separating from his family, which almost broke him. He talks about the suicidal ideation he experienced and how close he came, before seeing his own daughter hospitalised for her own attempt, which prompted him to make a change.
He went to his local church and submitted himself to God, having a visceral experience that made him feel like he now knew what his mission would be, moving forward. After reconciling and rebuilding trust with his family, Chris has been committed to leading his life authentically, which includes sharing his own personal struggles and the things that have helped him along the way in his own healing journey.
Although knowing he will never be truly "healed" from some of his PTSD symptoms, he invested in learning all he could to be in a position to help himself and others. While his faith is a crucial part for Chris, he also believes that physical health and perspective also play a role. He became a qualified life/mindset coach and breath work facilitator. That lead to Chris writing a book on breath work and creating an accompany journal, specifically aimed at helping those in the First Responder and Veteran community.
His book, "The Calm Warrior; Breath Work Practices For Mental Resilience" is available now! You can contact him via kablespeaks@gmail.com for speaking engagements or coaching sessions and follow on IG @kable_official
It was wonderful to speak with Chris. Although deeply personal and painful, he shares for the purpose of helping others. We both hope you enjoy listening to this episode!
Please feel free to reach out if you'd like a topic discussed, to be a guest or are interested in receiving coaching services from Erin Jane.
Email: info@erinjanecoaching.com
Website: https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinjanecoaching
Call or Text: +1 617 396 4695
You can watch the episodes as video on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/@Erin-Jane-Coaching?si=XI8q0z3mhmzO_a7_
Feel free to watch, listen, share and subscribe!
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