By KATH GANNAWAY
A SERIES of workshops to be held in Yarra Glen in March and April aims to help people affected by the 2009 bushfires recognise and manage Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Trauma psychologist and director of the Australian College of Trauma Treatment, Michael Burge, will facilitate the workshops as people in bushfire-affected areas face potential triggers including the five year anniversary of Black Saturday, recent bushfires and prolonged days of high fire danger.
For some, it’s just the progression of time according to Mr Burge who has worked clinically in the area of PTSD for around 20 years.
He said for a large proportion of people who have suffered trauma, their focus initially is on getting back to what life was like before the event.
“Before they can process the terror or trauma they have to get a roof over their head. Beyond that it’s sometimes one, two or three years, sometimes as much as 10 before the terrible, emotional impact starts to hit and then starts to bite,” he explained.
The impact can be more obvious in some people than in others, and recognising the signs and acknowledging vulnerability and the need to rely on others, is critical.
Mr Burge says that while denial can be a coping mechanism, particularly in rural areas built on stoicism, when it comes to recovering from terror or trauma, people have to acknowledge that as individuals and human beings they have to reach out.
The community/family resilience workshops are about recognising the signs and developing coping skills in a safe environment.
He said there were tactics people could use as anniversaries and environmental factors such as heat and bushfires brought unwanted reminders of trauma.
Being mindful of the possibility of being affected emotionally during this time of year and being aware of how the emotional distress might manifest itself such as being withdrawn, irritable, more argumentative were a starting point.
“Look for the warning signs and try to do something to create a situation where they are a little bit pampered and made to feel safe.
“Basically, take care of yourself. Whatever you enjoy doing that is self-caring, do it and be considerate of others around you’ he said.
The workshops may also help dispel the myth that PTSD is a life sentence.
Mr Burge said by learning how to manage PTSD, the symptoms can be reduced to a level where it had very little impact.
“A balanced view is needed,” he said.
“Some think you can get over it in a couple of weeks or months, and others think there is no such thing as a cure. The answer is that in many, many cases people do recover and have very few symptoms.”
The Yarra Glen workshops, presented by Steels Creek Association and funded by VBAF are free, however bookings are essential. Dates are 5 and 19 March and 9 and 30 April.
To book, phone Joanne Spears by 28 February on 9730 2389 or email resilience.sca@gmail.com.
