Getting Back Up Again: A plan to get your head back in the game

by Craig Semple

After nearly twenty-five years as a cop - riding high on the excitement, danger and stress of his work, feeling invincible - Craig Semple realised he could no longer outrun the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The sudden and devastating collapse of his mental health led to his medical retirement from the police force, the end of his marriage and, eventually, his attempted suicide. But in adversity, it is also possible to find Craig's diagnosis of a severe depressive disorder ultimately forced him to seek help, reassess and commit to making his mental health a lifetime priority.

Having a game plan was key to Craig successfully reclaiming control, finding hope and stepping into a positive future.

It is still difficult for many people to acknowledge that they are struggling to cope, particularly in jobs with a culture of toughness, where resilience is a first responders, the military, miners, construction workers. Craig was one of those people, and this down-to-earth, accessible and honest book distils everything he learned during his own mental health journey. Drawing on his own experiences - along with his skills in leadership, effective communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution - Craig provides a path for those finding it difficult to make that first step towards recovery from stress and trauma. Written from the perspective of a man who refused to stay down, Getting Back Up Again shines a light on strategies for navigating, surviving and growing through life's challenges.

Genres: Nonfiction

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
Mental health has a spotlight on it that will hopefully erode the stigma and fear that it evokes.
A syndrome that can creep up on an unsuspecting victim.
Craig Semple was not a likely candidate for the diminishing condition but it showed its tenacity and its ability not to discriminate.
Craig was a cop and detective.
A job he loved and worked hard at.
A profession where toughness is key.
When the cracks formed they rippled fast and left Craig in a mental quandary.
The darkness was real and the suffering debilitating as he navigated a mental health journey that did have a silver lining.
Spreading the word and inspiration by sharing his experience at schools and organisations was a positive start for him and the listening audience.
Then covid struck and threatened to derail the progress as the world shut down.
Although I have not suffered the black dog plight I do empathise with those who have and to get this insight from Craig did resonate with me.
A lot of his thoughts and actions were aligned with my belief system and this was reassuring.
Putting this journey on paper will help and inspire those who are suffering and credence to those who have escaped it.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world that often glorifies toughness and resilience, acknowledging vulnerability can be challenging, especially in professions that are lauded for their ability to endure and overcome.
Getting Back Up Again gives step by step strategies to getting your life back on track.

After twenty-five years on the police force, and a sudden and devastating collapse of his mental health, Craig Semple realised he could no longer outrun the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Craig talks about his struggles, and in his inspiring book Getting Back Up Again, offers readers a candid and profound exploration of his own mental health journey.

Craig candidly shares his struggles and triumphs. This down to earth approach not only makes his experiences relatable but also paves the way for others to recognise their own challenges and embark on their own journey towards recovery.

Getting Back Up Again is not merely a recounting of personal struggles, it is a roadmap for resilience. Craig offers readers practical strategies for navigating life's challenges and illustrating that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first step.

Getting Back Up Again is not only a powerful tool for people battling with mental health issues but also for their family and loved ones.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful insight into one man’s experience, strategies and journey through PTSD and depression.
A must read especially for those feeling challenged by their mental health. Ideas we can all use in our daily lives. I’ve just finished reading the book and found it open and honest above all enlightening.

[William Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🇦🇺

I don’t read books. I don’t recommend books. That’s not what I do.

But this one?

This one forced me to shut up and listen.

Craig didn’t write a story—he lived it. And when a man has the guts to narrate his own pain, his fall, and his climb back up… you don’t skip that. You don’t half-listen to that. You feel it.

I deal with severe PTSD. Focus isn’t easy. Processing isn’t easy. And I’m telling you right now—this audiobook locked me in from the first word to the last.

No distractions. No bullshit. Just truth.

If you’re sitting in an airport… stuck in your own head.
If you’re in a doctor’s office… waiting, not knowing what’s next.
If you’re anywhere quiet… fighting something nobody else can see—

This isn’t just a book.

This is a wake-up call.

I thought I knew a lot. This humbled me. Fast.

We talked about it on my podcast—education doesn’t come from a degree. It comes from living it. And Craig lived every damn page of this.

I don’t recommend books.

But I’m telling you—this one?

Five stars. No hesitation. No second guessing.

Pick it up. Or stay stuck.

—Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class
William A. Stephens Jr. 🔥

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Craig Semple's second book on this topic. What is different with this text is the greater focus on recovery (whereas the first book was more about what happened). Really liked the straightforward and easy to understand explanations of what worked for him.