Hi

[NPWM]

hello all 

I wanted to introduce myself I am a 40 year old paramedic originally from the UK now working in Australia. 

The older I have got the more isolated I have felt and events of my past have started effecting my present.

would like to see if anyone else has these issues and talk about thinks and experience 

[MissGremlin]

Hello @NPWM and welcome to the forums. I was a volunteer ambulance officer for many years and was also a fire-fighters so I can understand how things can affect you from the past. 

Have you got any support around you or therapists to talk to?

Know that you're not alone, we're here for you ☺️.

[NPWM]

@MissGremlin @I have tired a few therapist but they struggle to understand when I talk about the job.

I was hoping to find a better support group or form. Thank you for reaching out 

[MissGremlin]

@NPWM that can be hard. I'm thinking that you'd potentially need someone with PTSD experience. 

I'll tag in a couple of the peer support workers as they might have some recommendations for you. 

Here is a great space to connect and talk about thoughts/feelings but being able to talk about specific events would be hard as details could get triggering to others. Another place that may be able to help with ideas on places to talk to is beyond blue.

Take care of yourself ☺️.

@AuntGlow @Ru-bee @tyme 

[NPWM]

I am finding that I am withdrawing from others and I am hoping to just talk about life.

I have not had much luck with beyond blue so a bit weary of going back to them.

[Appleblossom]

@NPWM Welcome to the forum.

I can only imagine what it would be like to be a paramedic or ambo. The level of intensity would definietely leave its mark. I would have thought there ought to be specialists in working with that kind of trauma, as it is not that unusual for emergency workers.  Keep looking for suitable support, You deserve it. Thank you for your work. 

Glad to see our @MissGremlin already replied. I learned something new about you Bella.

[TheoBromine]

Hi @NPWM 

The Black Dog Institute (which is physically located in Sydney) has programs specifically for emergency services workers

Emergency-worker-support-service 

I have also been in emergency services for several decades (now retired).

It is difficult for people without a lived experience of that type of work to understand past a certain level.

I have PTSD related to that work. However I have CPTSD because of childhood trauma, but I have symptoms that relate directly to the work.

I hope you can get some helpful support

[NPWM]

@TheoBromine Thank you I will give black dog a try 

[MissGremlin]

@NPWM talk away, we're always here to listen ☺️. 

Totally understand and that's understandable. 

[NPWM]

Thank you