A Conversation with Lana
📍 Indigo Burlington Centre | danceScape Stories That Move
At danceScape, many stories begin on the dance floor.
For Lana and her husband Brandon, it started with a wedding dance — learning their First Dance Mambo to “Time of My Life.” There was laughter, music, and the kind of joy that comes with preparing for a milestone moment.
Years later, we met again — not in the studio, but at Indigo Burlington Centre.
This time, Lana was standing behind a table…
and behind a story that carries far more weight than most ever see.
📘 Book Launch: AFTERSHOT
Lana Boland is a police officer.
Her newly released book, AFTERSHOT, is a powerful and deeply personal account of what many in law enforcement experience — but few feel safe to say out loud.
It speaks to:
- PTSD and work-related stress injuries
- Institutional silence
- The hidden cost of serving others
- What happens when speaking up comes at a personal price
This is not a story of weakness.
It is a story of truth.
“I Was Choked in Training.”
During our conversation, one moment stood out immediately.
Lana shared:
“I was choked in training. In front of the entire class…
because someone thought I didn’t have enough heart.”
It’s a sentence that stops you.
Not just because of what happened —
but because of what it represents.
A culture where toughness is expected.
Where vulnerability is often suppressed.
Where speaking up can feel more dangerous than staying silent.
The Silence Around Mental Health in Policing
Lana’s experience is not isolated.
Across law enforcement and first responder communities, there is an ongoing and often unspoken reality:
- Officers struggling internally
- Mental health concerns minimized or overlooked
- A pressure to “push through” regardless of cost
This silence has consequences.
And increasingly, those consequences are being felt not only by officers — but by their families, colleagues, and communities.
From Private Writing to Public Voice
What makes Lana’s journey remarkable is how it began.
Not with a plan to publish.
Not with an audience in mind.
But with a simple step:
Writing.
Encouraged during therapy, she began documenting what she had been carrying — thoughts, experiences, and truths that had remained unspoken.
“I didn’t expect anyone to read it.”
And yet, when her words began to reach others, something shifted.
Messages came in from officers across the country — and beyond —
sharing that they finally felt seen… and less alone.
Why This Story Matters — Beyond Policing
While AFTERSHOT speaks directly to law enforcement, its message extends far beyond.
This is a story about:
- Being told to stay quiet
- Carrying more than others can see
- Finding the courage to speak anyway
It resonates with:
- First responders
- Families supporting them
- Anyone navigating trauma, pressure, or silence in their own environment
A Personal Connection
For Beverley, this conversation carried an added layer of meaning.
Her father, Derek, served as a police officer in the UK.
So this wasn’t just a story being heard —
it was one being felt.
It’s a reminder that behind every uniform is a person.
And behind that person is a network of family, history, and lived experience.
And Yes… She Still Dances
What makes this story uniquely danceScape is not just what Lana has endured —
but how she continues to move forward.
We first met her through dance.
And even after everything she has faced…
She still dances.
Because sometimes healing doesn’t begin with words.
Sometimes it begins with:
- Movement
- Connection
- A moment of feeling like yourself again
A Conversation Worth Having
Lana’s story is not easy.
But it is necessary.
It challenges assumptions.
It opens dialogue.
And most importantly — it reminds others they are not alone.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
We were honoured to connect with Lana at Indigo Burlington Centre and share this conversation.
👉 Watch the full interview now on danceScape Socials & YouTUBE channel.
📘 About the Book
AFTERSHOT by Lana Boland
A powerful call to confront the silence around mental health in policing — and a message of strength for those navigating PTSD and systemic pressure.
If This Story Resonates
If you know someone who is:
- In law enforcement
- A first responder
- Supporting someone who is
👉 Share this story.
You never know who might need to hear it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mental Health in Law Enforcement
What is PTSD in law enforcement?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in law enforcement refers to the psychological impact of repeated exposure to traumatic events experienced on the job. Police officers and first responders often encounter high-stress, life-threatening, and emotionally intense situations, which can accumulate over time and affect mental health.
Why is mental health often not discussed in policing?
In many law enforcement environments, there is a strong culture of resilience and toughness. This can create pressure to suppress vulnerability, leading officers to avoid speaking openly about mental health challenges for fear of stigma, career impact, or being perceived as weak.
What are common signs of PTSD in police officers?
Common signs may include:
- Anxiety or hypervigilance
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Emotional numbness or withdrawal
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty processing traumatic experiences
Early awareness and support are key to recovery.
How can police officers or first responders seek help?
Support can include:
- Speaking with a licensed therapist or counsellor
- Peer support programs within departments
- Mental health organizations specializing in first responders
- Community-based support systems and safe spaces
Seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
How can families support someone in law enforcement dealing with PTSD?
Families play a critical role by:
- Creating a safe, non-judgmental space
- Encouraging open conversation
- Recognizing changes in behavior or mood
- Supporting access to professional help
Understanding and patience can make a significant difference.
What is AFTERSHOT by Lana Boland about?
AFTERSHOT is a book written by police officer Lana Boland that explores the realities of PTSD, institutional silence, and the personal cost of speaking out in law enforcement. It offers a powerful perspective on healing, truth, and resilience.
Can movement and activities like dance support mental health recovery?
Yes. Movement-based activities such as dance can support mental well-being by:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Encouraging connection and expression
- Helping individuals reconnect with their bodies
- Creating positive social experiences
At danceScape, we see how movement can complement emotional healing and personal growth.