With the last day of 2024, the last reflection before moving forward into 2025 with more determination and energy than the previous year.
I once thought that burnout was something to survive. Now I know it's something to learn from.
Burnout isn't just a workplace problem—it's a human experience. And after 22 years as a police crisis negotiator, I've learned that our most challenging moments often become our most profound teachers.
Three insights that transformed my understanding this year:
• **Burnout is a Universal Language** In my post "I'm Done: The Struggle with Burnout", I shared a raw truth: burnout feels "lonely, isolating, overwhelming, debilitating." It's not weakness—it's a signal that something needs to change.
• **Every Decision Carries Weight** Reflecting on my police years, I realised that "Those who work for the police do so because they genuinely want to help others." The same is true for mental health work—it's about genuine human connection.
• **Impostor Syndrome Meets Reality** We must "Accept that we are as good as others say we are and that we got to where we are because of who we are." This isn't arrogance—it's acknowledging our true worth.
This year brought significant milestones: publishing "Anxiety is a Worry", expanding WARN International's training programmes, and continuing my work with Life Education Trust, Look Good Feel Better, Tango Kilo Mike, Save The Brave and Volunteer Fire Brigades.
But the real achievement? Helping people understand that mind (mental) health isn't a destination—it's a journey.
In 2025, we're diving deeper. More practical tools, more real conversations, more understanding that personal resilience isn't about being unbreakable—it's about learning how to cope and rebuild when we stumble.
Let's talk!