Picking Up The Peaces is getting the word out about early detection and early treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the message is beginning to spread.
Two recent examples include:
- a press release by ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell encouraging Canberra residents having trouble dealing with the bushfire catastrophe in Victoria to make use of counselling services being offered in the Territory. “Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 and Relationships Australia on 61227100. Residents can also log on to the Picking up the Pieces website http://www.pickingupthepeaces.org.au/ for a range of helpful information.”
- on the ABC Four Corners Open Letters forum, ‘Roadrunner’ posted this comment: “PTSD is a very ugly disease. No counseling, no debriefs. no back up, not knowing where to turn, No wonder. ACM you should be ashamed for not helping your workers. DIMA should also be ashamed for not helping or not wanting to know about anything reguarding employess welfare. There is help out there for you guys who suffer from PTSD. Dont suffer in silence, come forward. I know this as i have chronic PTSD and i came forward, now my life is better. I found a web site called www.pickingupthepeaces.org.au. Very good read and very helpful.”
The work is continuing. Currently, material from the strategic planning weekend is being refined, Katie is attending a mental health promotion course, and several members have attended a Mental Illness Education ACT session with a view to being trained to deliver ‘lived experience’ talks on PTSD and mental health to schools and community groups.
