I was medically discharged from the Army, 3 years after the suicide of my Father in 1990, after he was medically ‘retired’ from the police in 1983 aged 49 - he too was a traffic cop, with 22 years service. Aged 56 when he died, he too had lost his remaining friends / ex colleagues. I’ve read his pocketbooks, from Superintendents and upwards he documented every embarrassing encounter. Things were different back then Ben. Stay strong buddy, some of the friends you lost will follow in your footsteps, and possibly come knocking on your door; don’t let your wife have to tell them what my mother told an old duty-inspector of his, I think they joined up together. I’m 52 now, and really miss my Dad, all because of some shit called pride, and some egos. Sorry buddy - I can’t watch this one. You take care - you’re helping more than you know. 👍💙

Stand strong. Your strength and ability to talk about the struggles of mental health are singularly brilliant and have been so helpful for me in my own issues with mental health. Thank you.

Your real legacy is in the memories of the people you helped, and it can't be removed by people still in the job who think they can read your mind, and know your lived experience. I respect your honesty about your experiences in the police and what you do for the awareness of PTSD

Ben - I met a custody sergeant from Bradford nick, (luckily not under bad circumstances) and he had nothing but good to say about you. I was buzzing when he said he knew of you because I’m such a big fan. Keep strong mate people will always have something to say.

ben if your ex workmates are behaving like that towards you, then they aren't your real mates, fuck em mate, you don't need em. your doing really well since you came out, you dont need people like that in your life, you keep doing wot you're doing

My Son is a serving police Officer he really admires you as do many of his colleagues . 💕

I was cast out of NHS as a frontline medic. No pension no support for serious line of duty injuries. I fought for 13 years & WON! Still zero support despite being assessed as having injuries so serious I will never work again, no counselling!

I work with a bloke that retired this week, from a plant repair engineer role after 47 years with the same company - 47 years! The company did nothing to honour his loyalty and commitment, yet was then happy to send out a email to all employees, celebrating a new sales rep coming into the business.

Hi Ben. You have nothing to worry about .You are a fantastic person and we all love you.Keep strong.

Sad to hear that you have been ghosted by your former colleagues. I think they are envious of you because you havent crumbled and you are successful. Stay strong.

Ben, I am a Bradford lady with extensive experience of caring for someone with severe PTSD, volunteering with a PTSD support organisation..& dealing with it myself, which broke me. I admire how you have managed to forge a new life and have turned it around by giving back with the charity to raise awareness. I am at the stage now of wanting to move forwards from self imposed isolation by finding my own purpose, so if there is anything I can do to help, I have nothing but time to contribute..

I too left the police with mental health issues, I must admit I felt entirely let down by my supervisors and bosses while I was going through my issues whilst trying to keep my career going. It was a two year spiral that meant I was off for extended periods and returned to work several times but eventually had to admit defeat and take early retirement. Since leaving I have virtually no contact with any of my ex colleagues who I considered close friends. My force too stopped paying me, It took me 6 years to get my life back on track with a new career. In ways I am lucky but am slightly bitter about how I was treated which was like a liability, anything I applied for course wise was always knocked back. I love what I do now. I have watched all your videos and you have helped me at times when I feel low. Keep up the good work Ben.

Ben with the work you are doing on youtube, the mental health community, as a producer and entrepreneur, your legacy will far surpass any legacy you would have in the police. You're on a better path and destined for greater things.

After 28 years of teaching, after a very public assault my a student, all those years have turned to shit now. Now severe anxiety, depression and PTSD and two periods in hospital. All that work and now I just want to wipe it from my memory. Tonight had 2 hours of (sort of ) sleep. Still here, thanks to my beautiful wife. Going to gym soon, tinker with my motorbikes and share my real life with my best friend. Always, one step/moment at a time and try to keep that cup half full. God bless you Ben. sláinte

Hi Ben. Yet another fantastic video. It's proper harsh your friends in the police cut you off like that. That must have been heartbreaking. But you said it yourself. They're not really friends. True friends would stick by you through thick and thin and would be next to you with a shovel if you were wanting to hide a body so to speak (perhaps not the best analogy to use but you know what I mean).

I think its completely disgusting that you've been accused of faking Mental Health issues. love the videos and keep up with the good work

Stay strong. Your first book really helped me mentally and I thank you for that.

Love you, Ben. Thank you for your 19 years of service. Keep strong, brother. I always look forward to your videos on here.

Well done mate for being so open about it, people will stay around you whilst things are good, then when times get tough there nowhere to be seen. Keep doing what you’re doing and forget the rest

Mate I am in the police now and you are an inspiration. Never question to click on your videos 👌❤️

Thank you ben for doing your bit ... Thank you for sharing your stories with us and thank you for helping me deal with my own personal hickup your books were a great help ..I hope one day to shake your hand ...

You have helped so many people since retiring from the police with these videos. Talking about mental health especially mens mental health is so important and you should be so proud of the work you've done and continue to do. Im sorry some people dont see it this way but sooo many more people appreciate what you're doing. Thanks ben! 😊

I can't believe that you don't get the support from your old colleagues anymore ,that's really sad .ypur such a strong character Ben and you've come along way since leaving the force .I can't imagine how hard it was for you leaving and adjusting into civvy life . Keep being strong and keep smiling .Wishing you all the best x

Ben. You have to remember that true ‘camaraderie’ is something of a dream. It’s days within the Police service have long gone. We have good colleagues and acquaintances at work. True friends are few and far between. Many work colleagues have the loyalty of cats. Even though you have only been away for a relatively short time the job will have changed. The fact you left earlier than planned maybe has left you feeling that there is some unfinished business or you are dipping into that rucksack again. What you must remember above all else is we had our day. I say ‘we’ because i retired with 30 many of which were in Traffic + a few more as a Civvi which gave me chance to ease away from it in my own time and I was ready to go. It wasn’t the job I joined by a country mile. Just remember that little rush of adrenaline you experience seeing a Traffic car on blues and 2’s is soon tempered thinking that at the end of it is probably a massive pile of shit and a load of paperwork. Keep moving forward Ben. You are a character and doing a great job.

For some reason for 6 months KZfaq hasn’t recommended your videos to me. I met a detective in Hampshire a few weeks back and you came up in conversation as she follows you too and here I am back watching all the videos again. And now you’ve left focus on you and your mental health / physical health enjoy your family time and relax mate youve earned it.

Great video as usual Ben. Thanks for being so open and honest. All the best to you and family 🤘

Hi Ben great videos all the very best wishes to you and thank you for your years of service

Ben can you not see the level of envy and jealousy that your involvement in police interceptors would have caused throughout your force?, whatever you think the reasons are for the spitefulness and resentment never forget the human ego and how it affects those we work with, get a promotion and your name is mud, get a part in a UK police documentary and they curse your very being.., be proud of your legacy as we (The viewers) were all witness to it.

Keep up the great content Ben

you’re absolutely smashing it and I love your videos!

Mate, so much of what you said rang bells with me. I retired in 2020 after 27 years in the Job.......just when the World went into lock down! Best wishes to you mate, even though you were Traffic!! 😆😋👍

These videos are always brilliant love all the videos cant wait to see more

Keep up the great work mate. I loved seeing you on TV and love your videos

Ben I liked your video thank you. I too am being retired ptsd on 12th June next month. I’ve been traffic for 10 years & done nearly 21 years. It’s tough bitter pill to swallow but looking forward 👍

Thanks for that Ben you put into words what I couldn't for so long, I retired in 2000 with mental health issues after 21 years a fireman.

Missed these videos and the podcast. Welcome back!

Huge respect to you Ben. Loved your work when on the Police force and really impressed with your efforts and work since leaving the force - probably more so. Seen you around locally - but never been brave enough to stop you and say the above, just unsure how you are about things in that way. Keep up the good work and looking forward to more info on the charity front. All the best - Ste.

Fair Play Ben ! The step leaving the Police was massive and life changing and those that turned their back,/ broke ties and bitched about you in public are not worth knowing. You will go far my friend - of that I have no doubt. Good to see you haven't lost the policeman's nose !!

Was great meeting you at the leeds supercar show last week. Stay strong pal👍🏻

Keep it up boss man, your videos help me and a lot of others.!

Thanks Ben, you are an inspiration and it’s amazing what you have accomplished since leaving the Police. As you said, it’s their problem not yours . It’s still sad that people behave the way they do in many cases regarding mental health. Keep strong.

Ben, you sir are far from a "laughing stock". You are the copper I always wanted to be. My instructor , who also was my puppy walker & my best friend, turned out to be "my Ben Pearson". The force is weaker for your leaving but you are in a better place, where people understand & respect you. I get everything you say about leaving "The Man" but we all leave for different reasons. I was lucky, my instructor/partner WAS my friend. Sadly, he's passed away but he was true when said that most of your so called "colleagues" had more faces than the town hall clock!!! Good luck Ben & for those who have disappointed you..............f@~% them!!

Thank you Ben for your knowledge and encouragement, I have had quite a few downfalls at work, and it became an issue where I had to force myself to go to work, I lost that spark completely, and still haven't finished my probation yet. right now I just don't want to go to work for specific reasons. Looking forward to some of your advice......

Ben when you list all the things you’ve done since you left the force it just shows what amazing things you have done and continue to do. I would stop anyone telling you about what they heard in a pub etc, because it’s of no interest to you and only causes self doubt which you don’t need. Oh and the experience you have had with ex colleagues with regards to non contact happens outside of the police also, as I have discovered after a MH issue caused my departure from previous employment. Keep up the good work 👍

Most likely because your too much of a good honest man for todays police force bud. They don't like people talking about there faults and your so transparent with both their successes and failings. Keep it up bro. I watched you on the T.V back in day and soon as i saw you had a YT i had to sub. Take it easy on yourself. Love yourself. You deserve the best.

Hi Ben, great and informative video. I share a few similarities to yourself, left the police after 5 years of service, for a few reasons, went to a few bad jobs that I don't sit right with me, and I was bringing a high covid risk home to my terminally ill brother. When I wanted to leave, two officers I had never met rocked up at my house and asked for my warrant card, they said bye, then that was it. There was no thank you, and my former collegues don't contact me anymore, I only stay in touch with one guy. I feel one way about jobs I have been to, but other bobbies feel a different way and I sort of have this reputation of "Ben, yeah I remember him, he was alright" which i suppose is good and bad all at once. I don't tell you this to overshadow you, I have read both your books and under the circumstances, leaving was the best thing for you in my opinion, you had it allot worse than me, however, there were definately things the police could have done to make the transition less painful. It has been a weird feeling moving on, I now work in the cyber security industry, but sometimes I wish I was back in the job, and sometimes I see something happeneing, or my nose activates and i'll see someone on the gear, carrying, or acting suspiciously; and phoning it in is all I do now if I do anything. You have done a great thing with the PTSD awareness, I am 100% behind it, i think it's something that should be taken more seriously, where people either say "grow up, thats what you signed up for", "or, your a damned nutter". I have considered making a youtube channel myself and telling my own story, but I won't attempt to overshadow what you are trying to achieve with your channel, people need to see your message.

My dad was pushed out of the company that he was a welder at for 30 years. He was 3 years away from retirement; but they had no issue dropping him as soon as they saw an opportunity. He decided to retire early instead of trying to deal with more workplace BS. Sadly he passed away just a few days after his 65th birthday from a heart attack. He'd lost his insurance after the company dropped him; and he stopped taking his cholesterol and blood pressure medication until he could go on medicare....at 65... I had to contact his company because he benefits coming through his union. And when I let them know, they asked if it would be ok if they posted the news around the company; in case anyone wanted to pay their respects. I said that was fine; and the memorial service was open to anyone. ONE person from my dad's company showed up. ONE. After 30 years of going in and doing his job. Right then and there I realized just shallow that workplace environment really is. And yeah, my dad was Royal pain in the ass to be fair; but his memorial was packed with people coming to pay their respects. ONE guy, for 30 years...

At 59 years of age and having had problems in my life, I can say one thing to you Ben; you NEVER lose friends. In times of adversity you just find out who your friends are. I hope you’re well and thank you.

You've worked it out for yourself, Ben, and you have moved on and into another part of your life and you are, once more, very successful. Just crack on and don't look back. I have been watching you for a long time now and I can tell you are a thoroughly good and kind man. Why care about people you once knew and people you don't even know? There's no point and it's worthless to give it any headroom. Keep building on what you have now. You're doing great.

Your a real world hero both for the job you did and for the person you are. Your a brave man and an inspiration

Hi Ben, whilst I work for the Police in the UK, I am not a Officer and wont pretend to know their job but I work with alot of them and I find what they do and you did/do amazing. I truly believe you're an inspiration and I think that Police Forces will see alot more of people leaving the Police in similar circs to you as Police and other Frontline Emergency servies see alot of very tough situations and it's not really suprising that it's taken it's toll on some people. Keep the videos coming mate and all the best!

Another great video, thank you Ben.

First off no i dont know you personally but in my heart i know you are a good man, i struggle with mental health issues daily and noone to help at all, no family or friends, and its not a nice thing to say the least, you are an inspiration to me and people like me, i wish there were more men like you Ben honestly the world would be so much better. much love

Stand strong mate. And thank you for the 19 years service. I can relate to tge things you said on retirement. Same for me after 35 years in the city finance world. Good luck

Ben, you have hit the nail on the head ref ex colleagues, it’s strange when you retire how many of your colleagues keep in touch, I can count them on the hand of a leper. I had to have hip replacement, surgery on my spine and neck due to injuries in the police but I’ve heard several times I was faking it and nothing wrong with me. I’m so glad I’m out.

I've watched your KZfaq channel and bought the book. Some of the stuff I have read there traumatised me (the lad with the amputated legs, for example) so if people say you haven't got mental health issues, due to what you have seen, they must be the ones in denial. It just isn't possible for some of this stuff you've seen, to not traumatise you. You stand proud, you may stand alone, but you stand proud. Hope you can eventually get to an acceptable equilibrium in your life, and thanks for all you did for society.

I feel you bud 17 years in diagnosed with ptsd 4 years ago and the lack of understanding is unbelievable

thank you for your service , well done .

there is a saying i heard many years ago that i keep thinking of when there is a "team" situation in work "when your in your a guest , when your out your a pest" stay strong, things are on the way up for you now .

Sad to hear that your old peers are behaving like they are, I suspect there's some bitterness on their part and it always comes out negatively. One thing I think it's important to consider is that there's more than just one version of your legacy on the force and while this toxic one from ex colleagues feels prominent and painful, there's some far more important versions of your legacy in many other people's perceptions. Everyone you helped during your time on the force, everyone you have inspired and supported with your media and mental health work. I hope you can come to recognise the better versions of your legacy and allow the toxic ones to fade.

Proud of you Ben. I can relate to some of this.

Can so relate to this mate when leaving a job/career I worked 18 years for a company and made some cracking achievements, built up various companies and relationships from scratch earned the companies millions, and exactly the same happend with me I decided to leave when bullying a victimisation started for speaking out about certain formalities, I left the company with no good bye, messages, cards, collection and so called friends who knew of left on difficult terms no messages unfriended from Facebook forgotten about, totally feel that feeling you do mate in my heart, its one thing that will always hurt for me thag feeling. Onwards n upwards pal your real friends will always shine through

Well done dude. Good inspiration to others.

Ben, keep your chin up. Keep on talking about your condition. It will help you recover and it will help you find your new feet. You have done nothing wrong whatsoever. You are better without the people that have dropped you. It is their loss, not yours. I enjoyed watching you on the TV programme, but I enjoy listening to you more on this platform. I am sure that you would be surprised at how many people follow you here, really feel for you, and have total respect for you.

Stay strong matey. Keep going. You did the right thing for yourself.

Ben your amazing buddy keep it up mate love the content. Where can I find your podcast

I wish you all the best mate. I enjoy your videos 👍

Thanks Ben 💙

Let the haters hate! You have come so far and should be proud of yourself. No matter what you do next you are well known around Bradford and ive never heard a bad word about you. Keep being you x

Stay strong people can’t see mental health, people dont understand mental health, nor do they know how to handle it. Some people are vile and not worth being called a friend or a mate. I love what you’re doing and stay at it.

I thought this was about Sting when the notification came up on my phone. This however, is better!

Yes indeed Ben. Good on you for this. Unfortunately that is people and life for you... I love it how you have managed to look at the positives and rise above this. I know exactly what you mean, I was only with WYP for 6 years and that was some time ago now, however I still get the twitch when hearing sirens and when seeing something that's wrong and your instincts are to slam on the breaks whilst driving. The wife then shouts st NE that I no longer have my helmet and it's nothing to do with me anymore 😅 Seriously tho Ben this was well said and we'll put together. Your ex work colleagues are just that. - Ex work colleagues. Friends actually actually car about YOU and are not bothered if you still carry a warrant card. Keep up the good videos, feel strong and keep making a difference. You should feel extremely proud. 10-10 or code 1 0 ,,, whatever they changed it to👍

Ben, I love the videos. A question for yourself. Do you think that more needs to be done with TRiM? Correct me if I am wrong, if you come across a traumatic job and your supervisor asks if you’re okay, you can be referred to Trim. However, if you are referred, then you are given restricted access/duties. Do you think this stops officers reaching out for help? What do you think can be done to stop this from happening and officers getting help without feeling like they’re being punished for a job they want to do?

Ben you've got a good legacy, people remember you fondly and the work you did is still gets spoken about. Any car stopped on BD3 the occupants ask " you know PC Ben yeah".

You're incredible and one handsome ass dude I know my comment is only words but I really am so happy we have you on youtube you make my day and keep up all the good you do 😊

When I left the army it was a case of cheers and bye, that was it, luckily I had 1 or 2 friends from my last unit that stayed in touch but on the whole it felt like they didn’t care what you had done you were leaving and that was it.

Mate you have 100% made a massive contribution to us all…. You are legend 👊🏼 fuck the haters, you can’t please every one in life!

I've got PTSD. I was the supervisor at my work been there 7 years there was an accident at my work and 2 of my colleagues sadly lost their lives. It wasn't my fault but I saw it all happen and it messed my head up. I had to leave my job as I couldn't cope. Walking past where the accident happened every day. Same as you everyone at where I worked saying I'm talking rubbish. about having PTSD and that there is nothing wrong with me. This happened 2 years ago. I'm still on sick now first time since leaving school I haven't not been in work

I appreciate you thank you for your service

You are the stronger person at this time, they way you retired should have been supported the same as anyone that retires. Unfortunantley the monday club brigade and the folk you can set your calendar with to be off sick have hindered your reputation like in most industries. If folk have left you alone and deleted you then they have either been false or are under the pressure from above to distance you. Keep your head held high and power on Ben !!

The better you do for yourself the more people like to chat sh*t, it makes them feel better about the fact they haven’t achieved as much as you have. Keep moving forward.

If you can still manage a bonkers laugh, you're winning. Cheers ben from Aus (Oz)

I found most jobs management keep out of the way and don't deal with enough situations , keep your head up ☺️

Ben fellow Traffic officer here of 21 years, 18 months into PTSD ill health retirement process still ongoing so slow.

Massive respect 👍🏻

All best too you Ben been defo through shite mentally. police is a family at least u brought mental health too a great platform 🚔 credit too team supporting ur new career it’s has too be a lifestyle not just a job On full day binge watch of police interceptors TODAY

I was diagnosed with depression last 2 year ago n autism 3 years ago I couldn’t say or explain I was depressed but I had close relationship with my doctor n he new something wasn’t right , from your actions n way you talk n that you 100% have mental health problems especially if watch police interseptors can tell the difference, you can always tell who true friends are once you moved or left somewhere but I always thought that be different for police as they always say once a Bobby always a Bobby n always got each other’s back in or out the job same in forces my dad was same was very difficult getting know civi life

I don't see how most policemen don't need at LEAST a break once in a while for mental health. It's what you do, it's a brutal job. They should provide mental health treatment along with physical health on an ongoing basis. There is no way a feeling person, like you, who still has a sense of humor, can do it on an ongoing basis without feeling your spirit fade. Nothing's wrong with you, you are a well human being in a bad place. *so many hugs* Losing all your friends over it is tragic. Blessings for your recovery, and thank you SO much for your videos. Anyone who has gotten through the last few years without feeling traumatized is not paying attention. We all need a little vacation from terror.

Keep up the good work Ben, thank you for being so honest The naysayers weren’t worth knowing; onwards and upwards

I know you must feel extremely disappointed. Please don’t lose the faith! Mental health isn’t understood by the majority (apologies to anyone who disagrees)! It’s very easy to assume the worst - especially for the guys who still serve. You have been through so much that I can’t begin to understand how that must feel. I don’t live in West Yorkshire BUT you have my 100% sincerest gratitude for everything you did. Promise me you’ll stay 100% PROUD OF EVERYTHING YOU DID! Stay focused, stay strong and be happy 👍🏻

RESPECT to you Ben, fuck the haters. I really enjoy your YT channel.

My Granddad retired from the police age about 50 after 25 years around 1981-2. He said something about he had seen enough but would never talk about it, he get a few awards and in local papers a few times. Your story of you had enough makes me think of what my granddad might have seen but never spoke about. Something hit his switch to say he had enough, it was almost over night, he had enough one day type thing.

I retired this year after 22 years (not from the police) and on my last day work blocked all my email and IT access so i couldn't send any thank you emails to colleagues. When i put my notice in my boss just ignored me. On my last day he didnt even say goodbye. No thank you from any of the management. You quickly find out who your real mates are and the ones who will do anything to further their own careers. Just sad tbh, anyway there is a life outside and im now much happier and in control of my own destiny. Stay Strong Ben :-)

Hi Ben. I am a retired Road Policing Officer and have gone through all the highs and lows, sticky situations, saw things that nobody should ever see (too many to be honest) had a laugh, etc. etc and enjoyed every single minute of it. I would be totally professional in my approach to each situation no matter how bad or horrible it may be and I was able to walk away from it with no lasting effects. This is not me blowing my own trumpet, it is just the way I am. I still keep in touch with ex colleagues of different ranks on a near daily basis and still go on nights out with some of them. And that is after four years. I have saw you at work, and you seemed to be a good cop, who knew what he was about. Why they would question your mental health, and stop conversing with you is beyond me. Is it a case of "he's doing well since he left the job: and are now jealous of your success ? These people are not your friends anyway, friends stick by you when you are down. F%£& them. Keep up the good work and good luck with the charity.

I had medical issues, sourced private medical surgery option, as NHS would be such a long time. Next thing I knew summoned to see Force medical Doctor, within 3 weeks I was seeing the Chief and out. That was it. Issue over tax, you need to sort it yourself as you are retired. The more I bumped into retired colleagues the more I realised that they, like me wanted nothing to do with the service. I found employment some as you say less skilled, some skilled, the later 10 yrs within civil service, coaching, etc.

Shocking! You give your everything, and people would dare to undermine your mental health while slagging you off. Those people who behave in this negative manner toward you are probably struggling with their demons but don't yet understand themselves.

Thank you Ben for being so honest in your experiences and how this has has affected you. Thank you also for your service to the community and making a difference. You made the thin blue line stronger.

Well ya no laughing stock to me. I really enjoy watching your podcast they are so informative. Thank you. 😊

stay strong your a good man

ben you are better than the service they lost a star and it is their loss mate you are showing how you are better than what they think they had and let go of man so if you look at it you in the service was 80% but since you left you are now at 130% so more than they had you at all the best mate keep strong