In part 3, the final segment of our chat, Damien (ex NT/VIC Pol Senior Constable ) opens up about the darkest periods of his PTSD, including being housebound and overwhelmed by guilt and shame. He describes his experience with suicidal thoughts and attempts, and the profound impact of feeling like a burden to his family.

A key turning point for Damien was a moment of empathy he felt while watching a press conference, which sparked a flicker of hope. This realisation led him to actively seek out recovery strategies, including mindfulness, breathwork, and self-education.

Andy and Damien discuss the importance of building a personalised toolkit of coping mechanisms, the ongoing journey of managing mental health, and the potential for post-traumatic growth.

Key Takeaways

1. The Emotional Toll of PTSD: The intense feelings of guilt and shame can make individuals feel like a burden to their loved ones, often leading to suicidal ideation.
2. Finding Hope in Unexpected Places: A seemingly small moment of empathy or connection can spark a significant shift in mindset and provide a critical lifeline.
3. Importance of Self-Education: Learning about mental health, neuroplasticity, and recovery strategies can empower individuals to take control of their healing journey.
4. Developing a Personalized Toolkit: Identifying and implementing personalized coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, breathwork, and gratitude practices, can significantly improve mental health.
5. The Role of Support Systems: Having a supportive community, including family, friends, and mental health professionals, is crucial for recovery.
6. The Journey of Recovery: Recovery is a continuous process that involves both setbacks and progress; resilience and persistence are key.
7. Embracing Vulnerability: Being open to trying new methods and acknowledging one’s vulnerabilities can lead to significant growth and healing.
8. The Impact of Peer Support: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide hope and practical guidance for managing PTSD.
9. Self-Compassion: It's essential to practice self-compassion and not compare one's trauma or recovery process to others.
10. The Power of Routine: Establishing a daily routine that includes self-care activities can help maintain mental stability and promote long-term wellness.

Contact - Damien Mullen
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
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