PTSD in First Responders

Attending a traumatic event are often life or death situations & many of us we do our best to avoid. However, when you are a first responder you have made life and death events your livelihood or past time. Post-traumatic stress disorder is commonly referred to as PTSD and is a type of anxiety disorder. Approximately, 10% of emergency workers suffer from PTSD in comparison to 4% in the general population. But, what happens to our first responder heros that greatly serve and care for others - need help themselves! What happens to our first responders who suffer PTSD? Today we speak with consultant psychiatrist Dr Mathew Samuel at Hollywood Hospital who is the clinical lead for the Trauma Growth & Recovery program for military and current serving members, DVA patients as well as, conducts PTSD programs to support our first responders. We hope our discussion today shines much needed light on PTSD in first responders & helps to reduce stigma. Opening our hearts to care for the very people who devote so much of their life caring for others! A big thank you to Dr Samuel for sharing his time and knowledge with us today on Meditalk. To learn more about Dr Samuel and the PTSD workshops mentioned in the episode please visit: www.ptsdwa.com.au or speak with your GP or connect in with Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au soldieron.org.au Lifeline on 13 11 14 Thank you for listening to such an important episode of Meditalk. Please seek support if you feel you need it. Support is out there and as expressed throughout the inteview it can be the beginning of finding more inner contentment and a better quality of life that you and your family so greatly deserve. To all first responders thank you for your service and caring so much for others. If you feel this epsiode can help a friend or family member please share as empowering ourselves with knowledge and reaching out for help and support when needed takes great courage. Take care of yourself and let's all take care of each other! D :-)