Australia’s emergency service workers keep our communities safe. Encountering unprecedented levels of emotional distress when responding to crises is part of the job. While for most people the distress will only last a few days or weeks, some will go on to develop mental health issues. Learning more about the impacts of trauma, skills to help manage the distress of your patients and what support services are available to them can help with their recovery.

This Expert Insights panel session discusses the impact of traumatic events on emergency service workers and communities, how to identify trauma and what supports are available with a spotlight on those available through Phoenix Australia and Black Dog Institute. Opportunities for further training and where to find useful evidence based resources are also be discussed.

Panelists
Prof. Sam Harvey - Deputy Director, Black Dog Institute
Peter - ex firefighter and lived experience representative
Alexandra Howard - Director of Disaster and Public Health Emergencies, Phoenix Australia

Dr Carol Newall - Facilitator
Recording and sound production - Nathan Bell
Voiceover - Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute

Expert Insights

The Trauma of Emergency Service Workers - Expert Insights for Health Professionals

Distinguishing between grief and depression can at times be clinically challenging. While both may manifest in similar ways, there are some key differences helpful in separating the two. However, grief and depression can also co-occur with the course of one influencing the other, further adding to the complexity of the presentation. This month's Black Dog Institute Expert Insight  forum brings together clinicians, researchers and consumers to answer questions on managing grief and depression in clinical practice. 

Panel members: Professor Gordon Parker, Scientia Professor, University of New South Wales, Consultant Psychiatrist, Prince of Wales Psychiatry; Amelia Paterson, Researcher, Black Dog Institute; Michael Dash, Bereavement Coordinator, Sydney Local Health District; Sharyn McGee, Lived Experience Representative

Facilitated by: Dr Vered Gordon, Black Dog Institute GP Consultant 
Recording and sound production: James Stewart, audioPost 
Voiceover: Cameron Banks, Black Dog Institute 



Is it grief or depression? - Expert Insights forum for health professionals

In this podcast Dr Jan Orman talks to Professor Gavin Andrews, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of NSW, about what GP's can do to help patients get the best out of online programs.

Teaching your patients to fish: the benefits of online therapy - eMental Health

In loving memory of Paula, thank you for your generosity in sharing your story.

Paula is a counsellor specialising in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, a former dancer and a mother, who is living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. 

Paula has remained an optimist throughout her treatment, and shares her story of living with chronic disease on this episode of Being Well. 

Some of the things spoken about in this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you or someone you know find this content distressing and require assistance, please call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

Presented by Jan Orman
Produced by Nathan Bell 
Additional production by Olivia De Pomeroy.

Paula's Story

Black Dog Institute is a global pioneer in the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illness and the promotion of well-being. Our unique approach incorporates clinical services with research, education and the voice of lived experience to reduce the incidence of mental illness and suicide, remove stigma and improve lives.

The Trauma of Emergency Service Workers - Expert Insights for Health Professionals

Black Dog Institute for Health Professionals

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