CFA has recently undertaken analysis of current research that is available on the long term impacts of disaster response on emergency services workers.
While many people have strong psychological resilience and coping skills, the research suggests that exposure to major disasters such as the February 2009 fires is likely to lead to increases in some mental health difficulties and behavioural or interpersonal issues such as conflict. One of these mental health issues is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
Detailed information about PTSD can be accessed on the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health website http://www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au/resources/resources-community.html#fact_sheets
The information below is summarised from the ACPMH resources
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a set of reactions that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed an event which threatened their life or safety, or that of others around them, and led to feelings of intense fear, helplessness or horror.
Signs and symptoms
People with PTSD often experience feelings of panic or extreme fear, which may resemble what was felt during the traumatic event. A person with PTSD has three main types of difficulties:
- Re-living the traumatic event ─ through unwanted and recurring memories and vivid nightmares. There may be intense emotional or physical reactions, such as sweating, heart palpitations or panic, when reminded of the event.
- Being overly alert or wound up ─ sleeping difficulties, irritability, lack of concentration, becoming easily startled and constantly being on the look out for signs of danger.
- Avoiding reminders of the event and feeling emotionally numb ─ deliberately avoiding activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings associated with the event. People may also lose interest in day-to-day activities, feel cut off and detached from friends and family, or feel flat and numb.
Impact of PTSD on relationships and day-to-day life
PTSD can affect people's ability to work, perform day-to-day activities or relate to their family and friends. People with PTSD can often seem disinterested or distant as they try not to think or feel in order to block out painful memories. They may stop participating in family life, ignore offers of help or become irritable. This can lead to loved ones feeling shut out. It is important to remember that these behaviours are part of the problem. People with PTSD need the support of family and friends but may not know that they need help.
Getting help
Health professionals can help people affected by traumatic experiences. A doctor can help identify problems and refer to mental health practitioners. They can also provide practical support such as teaching relaxation and stress management. Mental health professionals can provide specialised trauma-focussed treatment.
In addition the CFA’s Welfare Services program may be the first contact point for people who are concerned that they have PTSD. Remember, any CFA member or immediate family member can access Welfare Services at any time.
Welfare services are short term in nature. Members with long term clinical or complex needs will be linked to appropriate services where relevant, such internal services (WorkCover or Volunteer Compensation) and external community based agencies.
- -Peer support can be accessed through the Regional Duty Officer, Officer in Charge, Line Manager, the Peer Coordinator or via the CFA Welfare line (ph 1800 628 616)
- -Chaplains can be contacted directly or by contacting Converge International on 1800 337 068
- -Psychologists/Counsellors can be contacted directly by contacting PPC Worldwide on1300 361 008
If you have any comments about the Welfare Services programs, please email welfareservices@cfa.vic.gov.au
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