Police Officer Burnout, PTSD, and Finding Hope

What happens when the one who runs toward danger… can’t outrun his own pain?

In this gripping episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Jeff Wrigley, a veteran police officer, father of 7, and Catholic convert, who spent decades racing into crises to protect others—all while silently falling apart on the inside. 

Jeff opens up about what it's like to carry the invisible wounds of decades in law enforcement: the trauma that piles up, the pressure to stay composed, the moments of despair no one sees, and the burnout that nearly ended everything. He shares the moment it all broke, and the turning point that began his road back to joy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

15:31 The stigma behind being a cop

20:15 How faith informed him as a police officer

25:22 Why bravery without fear is dangerous 

31:10 It is responsible to recognize that there are threats in society

34:06 What's it like to be a first responder to tragedy

46:27 Why stuffing pain never works 

50:51 PTSD and hidden anxiety in law enforcement

52:30 The simple prayer that saved his life 

54:00 The lie of perfectionism as a cop 

59:36 The importance of seeking good counsel

 

Jesus didn’t promise an easy life. He promised we wouldn’t go through it alone. If you’re carrying more than you can handle, this episode will remind you: faith isn’t about faking it. It’s about letting Christ into the dark and letting him carry you out.

........ 

Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20      

........ 

Help us transform hearts for Jesus! Join the mission and become a monthly donor (A Missionary of JOY!): https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/

........ 

The Chris Stefanick Show will soon be premiering on EWTN+ Streaming! You can start watching more great content at: EWTN.com/ondemand/ 

........ 

✈️ To learn more about all of Real Life Catholic Pilgrimages, visit: https://reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages/

........ 

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration in your inbox. https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20