About this episode

This episode discusses the hidden mental health crisis in law enforcement through a conversation with retired officer Jason Cates.

EP 119 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Law Enforcement | In Conversation with Jason Cates In this powerful episode of My Secret Life with an Eating Disorder, Maureen Kritzer-Lange, the Queen of Self-Esteem, speaks with retired law enforcement officer Jason Kates, founder of My Journey with the Badge Foundation , about trauma, identity, service, and what happens when the uniform comes off. After nearly three decades in law enforcement, including SWAT command and leadership roles, Jason shares the unseen emotional world behind the badge — the trauma officers witness, the feelings they are trained to contain, and the impact that follows them home. This conversation is not about politics or headlines. It is about the human cost of service, the identity loss many officers face after retirement, and the urgent need for mental health support that truly understands law enforcement culture. At its heart, this episode asks: What do people carry silently because their job requires them to look strong?

People in this episode

Host: Maureen Kritzer-Lange

Guest: Jason Cates

Topics covered

• mental health
• law enforcement
• trauma
• identity
• retirement
• emotional support

Keywords

• mental health crisis
• law enforcement
• trauma
• identity loss
• emotional support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: My Journey with the Badge Foundation

More episodes of My Secret Life With An Eating Disorder

• EP 123 RE-BROADCAST 5lbs to Happiness | Maureen Kritzer-Lange MSW, LCSW · July 9, 2026 · 21 min
• EP 122 The Mindful Dentist: What If Your Smile, Stress, and Spirit Are All Connected? | In Conversation with Dr. Roberta Garceau · June 24, 2026 · 34 min
• EP 121 RE-BROADCAST- Hot Girl Summer? Or Healing Girl Summer? | Maureen Kritzer-Lange MSW LCSW🌻 · June 11, 2026 · 17 min
• EP 120 RE-BROADCAST: Summer clothes and self love-embracing body positivity | with Maureen Kritzer-Lange MSW, LCSW · May 28, 2026 · 20 min
• EP 118 Navigating Adulthood: Part II | In Conversation with Keanna Kogut · April 30, 2026 · 33 min
• EP 117 Stop Fighting Your Anxiety… Start Understanding It | In Conversation with Caitlin Rose · April 16, 2026 · 41 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the My Secret Life With An Eating Disorder podcast page.