Sufferer - Watching Others Deteriorate In A Situation

[AS1975]

Hi, I'm a person who has finally admitted to suffering from PTSD. I'm also currently working with the Tasmania Fire Service (as a volunteer firefighter).

Some of my fellow firefighters are going through some difficulties in the immediate aftermath of life-threatening fires, on a scale not seen since the 1967 fires. They are telling me they cannot stop thinking about it, that they are reliving it, etc. What should I tell them?

For mine PTSD is basically a minor wound, like a scratch, that will fester and cause chronic problems if not properly treated at the outset. It isn't an acquired brain injury, it shouldn't have the stigma of being a mental illness as that stops people seeking help, and leads to their being discriminated against.

I don't know, it sucks to be involved and watching people freaking out and being overwhelmed and unable to react/act appropriately due to fear, but it really, really sucks watching good people falling apart due to surviving, I know only too well what they are feeling.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

It is hard to be this way. I am going thru this, right now. I understand what you are saying. It is rotten luck. I hate being this way. I want the anxiety to leave me alone. I hear you loud and clear.

 

[AS1975]

Not really what I'm asking Gizmo, although I appreciate the thought.

What I'm asking is how do I 'suggest' to people, who are obviously struggling (and for bloody good reason), that they get help sooner rather than later? Before the reasonable response to traumatic situations becomes a chronic issue, alternatively, what can I do or say in order to get them to talk about it and what came out of it, what are the good points of their experience, etc.?

 

[Abstract]

Hi AS,

Sorry you are in this situation. I have been recently too (one person) and I found it really hard to know what the right decision was.

It was a client of mine which made it even more difficult. In the end I said that sometimes situations can stick and that there are certain signs of it. I then listed the signs. I also offered to send her more information if she was interested. I said it was not that unusual for this too happen after extreme situations and that they can be helped.

She looked very torn. But eventually she made light of it and that was that. I can't really do more so I have had to let it go.

I guess it depends on your relationships with them. What about printing off an information brochure and add some contact info on it? Possibly including this site. It may help to share your own story if you feel able.

Alternatively you could speak to the person in change and suggest that they do a re cap educational talk on PTSD.

 

[Venusian]

AS, is there anything like a support group that they can form? I have seen some of the reports about the fires in the news and they are devastating. Is there a place where the firefighters can meet and talk about their experiences? See that what they are feeling and experiencing is not just them, that their fellow firefighters are all going through the same thing? Something casual somewhere where they don't have to isolate themselves and be the "hero" for everyone else. I don't think a therapist would always have to be involved, maybe just experienced people that know what it is like and won't judge or second guess. Someone who would just be there to listen.

I remember when I came on this site and the relief I had that I wasn't alone in what I was feeling. There was a lot I could finally talk about that I couldn't talk about with anyone else.

 

[safenow]

Hi AS. I agree with Venusian. Arrange a meeting where you can all casually talk about what you're feeling so they know they are not alone with these things. I tried talking in other places, and you get those who have no clue. But since I've been here I know that everyone feels the same, and I've been able to relax .

 

[AS1975]

I don't know, I'm a little fearful of saying too much within the hierarchy, if I was surer of the standing I'd be happy to organise a non-judgmental, support group where people can just chat. I'll think about it.

 

[maddog]

I work for the police and one of the things we have come a long way in building into our culture is the importance of receiving timely, empathic support as soon as possible following exposure to traumatic events and circumstances.

Understanding PTSD, or even knowing what it is, is of far secondary importance to receiving validation of your feelings and reactions, support for same, and an opportunity to share what and when you wish to, and time really is critical. The longer a person is denied of these opportunities, the less likely they will be to take them up if/when they are offered, and the greater the likelihood of a more serious and chronic post traumatic condition forming.

I agree - as do many trauma specialists in the know - that professional intervention, in the form of psychologist or other trained therapists, is not necessary as a first line of defense, as long as the support being offered is appropriate, healthy and preferably by people who have a reasonable rapport, both with the person/people involved and with the type of traumatic event the person/people have experienced.

We utilise peer support officers very effectively for this reason and find that officers are much more likely to open up with their supportive peers than with an unfamiliar mental health professional or as part of amandatory debriefing process - we've actually moved right away from structured critical incident debriefing for the most part unless specifically required.

I think your instincts are great here AS, whatever you can do to get the guys together would be a step in the right direction. And hey, what about a bbq and a few drinks? Doesn't even need to involve the hierarchy, though a general level of awareness and action on their part would seem very integral, and it's a little disturbing and sad if some sort of support response isn't being facilitated by the powers that be given the circumstances.

The bushfire crisis is terrible right across the country right now, so you and your mates will be in a big boat. My thoughts go to all those affected.

Maddog

 

[Sailorgal]

I never worked in civil service but a few times in my career in corporate jobs where there was a major catastrophe, we had small department meetings to distribute information on counseling and speaking with an onsite HR representative/counselor. There was information distributed on "things to do" and signs to be aware of per what Abstract referred to.

This allowed employees struggling to have some anonymity and not disrupt "business as usual."

Good luck....it's a tough place to be. I hope they get the needed support as they are bravely risking their lives to save others.

 

[AS1975]

What are important things to look for in post-traumatic stress in the immediate aftermath of such events? I know people who've had helmets, goggles and straps burned off their heads in the firestorm, I personally have been hurt (laryngospasm/basically gag reflex on superheated air) when the wind changed on the same fire the day before. It is a bloody big boat like someone said.

 

[Abstract]

AS, I read something of Anthony's recently and he actually said pretty much exactly what Maddog said. I will see if I can find it. It was about the aftermath of the latest shooting in the states.

 

[Bilby]

This reminds me of another thread I was reading about what happens after the trauma, being traumatic in itself. I guess it has reminded me of that with respect to the potential for people to feel alone/isolated and not getting the help they need in the immediate aftermath, which is obviously crucial. I guess it is particularly important to be heard and supported by loved ones - or indeed, whoever it is you approach after a traumatic event.