The 27th June is World Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.
PTSD is the most common mental health disorder after depression. Trauma can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. Anyone of us can be affected and the psychological impacts can be deep and complex.
We know that PTSD is more common in our emergency first responders due to exposure to potentially traumatic events.
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but about 5-10% of Australians will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. That means that at any one time over 1 million Australians have PTSD.
Evidence shows that most people do recover quite quickly after trauma with the help and support of family and friends. But for some, the effects can be long-lasting, and they may develop PTSD. (Source: Phoenix Australia)
The Australian First Responder Foundation aims to help reduce the impact of trauma through raising awareness, education, peer support and giving people an opportunity at our retreats to reconnect, reframe, and reset. As a First Responder you can enrol in our FRESHER course to learn techniques to cope with the stress and trauma that arises from the service you provide – at no cost. Click on the link here to find out more.