A FORMER police officer who has put the spotlight on mental health after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is urging people to “speak up”.

It comes on Time to Talk Day (today) which aims to bring an end to mental health discrimination, start conversations and smash stigma.

Ben Pearson, who was in the police force for 19 years and a regular on Channel 5 show Police Interceptors, has spoken frankly of his own struggles and the deep mental and emotional toll the job took on him in the face of death, fatal crashes and delivering the heart-wrenching blow to families that a loved one wouldn’t be returning home.

He retired from West Yorkshire Police in October last year after being diagnosed with complex, work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and now shares his story in the hope of helping others.

His book, Handcuffed Emotions, has resonated with many, with copies selling across the world in the USA, Canada, Germany and Spain.

Dad-of-two Ben, 44, is also due to start recording his podcast next week and his second book, Hotel Tango 23, will hopefully be released in May.

He said: “I’m just continuing to push mental health awareness and smashing my therapy. I don’t know what this year holds but I’m staying positive.”

Speaking about the importance of Time to Talk Day, he said: “Not only has Covid lockdown kept us inside and segregated, but it’s kept us from what we need and yearn for - human interaction.

“We are designed to need human attention and contact.

“Simple things like being able to talk to someone face to face, hold someone’s hand or just be cuddled.”

He said people are struggling both mentally and emotionally and added: “It is a release which is needed for our own mental well-being.

“You know the feeling when you go for a walk with friends, or sit in the pub and put the world to rights with your family.

“It’s needed and does you good when the valve is released on the pressure cooker.”

He added: “We’re stuck in our houses with limited contact and lack of conversation.

“I myself try to speak to as many people as I can on a night via mobile, text, WhatsApp and Zoom.

“I failed to see that not talking or having the contact you need, can send you down a dark path.“My friend approached me a month ago and wanted to talk to people, but didn’t know how.

“He then created a Facebook page just to have interaction with people, even strangers.

“Anything is better than nothing. Opening your mouth can be your biggest weapon against depression and mental illness. It fights back and tells you it’s safe to talk, and you’re not alone.

“Thousands of people, especially men, are struggling at this time and any form of reaching out is better than nothing.

“I urge anyone who thinks they might be struggling to either contact their doctor or local support group.

“Andy’s Man Club is one of those clubs that helps and encourages people to talk at this dark time.”

He urged people to not be scared or alone and said: “Please remember to speak up.”