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Craig Semple knew he was struggling with PTSD—but he waited eight years to ask for help. The cost was devastating. Craig had built his identity around being a police detective. When burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, and severe depression abruptly ended his career, he lost far more than his badge. He also lost his sense of purpose, independence, self-worth, and eventually his marriage. After three years…
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Craig Semple knew he was struggling with PTSD—but he waited eight years to ask for help. The cost was devastating.
Craig had built his identity around being a police detective. When burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, and severe depression abruptly ended his career, he lost far more than his badge. He also lost his sense of purpose, independence, self-worth, and eventually his marriage. After three years of unsuccessful treatment, Craig attempted to take his own life.
In this segment from From The Ground Up Show, Craig explains why he was afraid to admit that he needed help—and shares the painful answer he received when he finally asked whether seeking treatment earlier would have made a difference.
A doctor told him that five or six one-hour sessions might have helped him manage the problem while preserving the career and life he loved. Because he waited, Craig ultimately underwent hundreds of individual therapy sessions.
In this conversation:
• Why Craig concealed his PTSD symptoms for eight years
• What it felt like to suddenly lose his badge and career
• How losing his identity and sense of purpose affected his recovery
• The connection between burnout, PTSD and severe depression
• Why high-performing people often resist asking for help
• The staggering difference early intervention could have made
• Craig’s message for anyone who knows something is wrong but remains silentCraig received a second chance and chose to use it to help others. His story is a powerful reminder that asking for help early is not weakness—and waiting can carry a far greater cost.
Content note: This segment contains candid discussion of PTSD, depression, suicide and attempted suicide.
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