‘His life spiralled out of control’: Ray Hadley speaks candidly on son’s PTSD

Ray Hadley has spoken candidly on air about his son’s ongoing battle with PTSD, after he had his drug possession charge dropped in court on mental health grounds just hours ago.

Daniel Hadley, 28, was charged with possessing a small amount of cocaine while off-duty in Rouse Hill in Sydney’s northwest at the start of August. However, he was discharged by a magistrate on Wednesday with all charges dismissed under the Mental Health Act.

Now, his famous father has opened up on his mental health issues on his 2GB radio show, revealing he spoke to his son’s doctor after his arrest and discovered he had been getting treatment for post traumatic stress disorder, brought on by “traumatic incidents” in his job in the police force.

Daniel was admitted to a mental health facility the next day and spent five weeks receiving treatment there, with his parents’ and family’s support.

Ray admitted he felt “inadequate” as a father that he had never known his son was being treated for anxiety and depression at the time.

“His life spiralled out of control and he started to abuse both alcohol and cocaine,” Ray said on the show. “His family; that’s his sisters, myself, his mum and people surrounding him, have worked intensely with him since then to get him through this problem. We’ve got a long way to go.”

He added: “His doctor told us his recovery could not really start until the matter had been dealt with in court yesterday. He suggested to Dan at the time that he’d never be able to return to the police force and deal with the day to day trauma that coppers deal with, so my son immediately resigned losing his much-loved career.”

The radio host went on to address claims his son has received preferential treatment due to his famous father, insisting it has actually worked both for and against him.

“He’s not a public figure, his father is. He’s lost his job. He’s been featured on the front page of newspapers, TV and news bulletins all because his last name is Hadley,” he said.

“He knows that his name is Hadley, he knows that going with that name is, I guess, some privilege but there’s also some downside. Particularly when you’re a copper,” Ray added. “Yesterday is not the end of the journey, it’s the start of the journey.”

The entire experience over the last few months has now pushed the star to fight more for awareness and treatment of other PTSD sufferers within the emergency services, who may not have access to the same help.

Read more: Emotional Ray Hadley breaks down over son’s drug arrest

“Sufferers with PTSD now have a willing advocate in me,” he said on the show. “My son is getting help thousands of others are not getting and they’ll be the focus of my attention.”

If you’re depressed or need someone to talk to, there are many 24/7 support lines available, including Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, MensLineAustralia on 1300 789 978 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Have you been following this story? Have you or someone you know suffered from PTSD?