Yep, one of the things that I have come to believe is a necessity. Coffee Dates.
For me, they keep me grounded with my reality of being away from work. I know, that’s a whole lot of mixed up thinking there. Let me explain. In policing, it is very easy to become co-dependent on the thrill of policing to get by day-to-day. You get caught up in the politics, the planning and the action. Regardless if we admit to it or not, we become policing junkies. So, by going for coffee with people still immersed in the day-to-day activities, it forces you to realize that you are not part of it right now. In turn, it makes me understand that not only am I not part of it but due to me trying to get a handle on my PTSD, I can’t be a part of it.
The coffee dates have also shown me a number of supports that I have in the office. A group of people who I know are more than just co-workers as they have stepped up during this time to spend time with me having coffee.
Cracked Badge 