Confronting Trauma: Officer Amanda Dozanti on Mental Health in Law Enforcement
You are not made to see trauma after trauma after trauma, with zero recovery time.
What happens when the people who protect us need protection themselves? In this episode of 'Chase The Vase', host Brock Bevell sits down with Officer Amanda Dozanti, affectionately known as A.K., to tackle the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by police officers. Starting her law enforcement career at just 19, A.K. quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Vice-President of her police academy class and earning her degree in Justice Studies and Sociology in under four years.
Her impressive journey includes serving as a Deputy Sheriff and receiving the Officer of the Year award in 2015. Despite her accolades, A.K. reveals the hidden emotional toll of her career. She opens up about the internal battles many officers face, describing how burying trauma can turn into a ticking time bomb. Together with Brock, they emphasize the urgent need for open dialogue within the force to prevent these issues from festering.
The conversation doesn't stop at identifying problems; it also offers solutions. A.K. shares practical tips for managing stress and anxiety, including yoga and tapping techniques. These tools have helped her navigate the intense pressures of law enforcement and could be beneficial for others in similar high-stress roles. This episode is a heartfelt plea to support first responders, not just in their professional duties but also in their personal battles.
It's a powerful reminder that mental health care is crucial for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.