Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/police-veterans-vic/episodes/Shannon-Hood-and-Rebecca-Lynch-Cumulative-Trauma-e1rf13f
This week Carla takes a break from hosting the Plodcast, passing the podcasting baton over to PVV’s Rebecca Lynch for an interview with registered counsellor Shannon Hood who breaks down the intricacies of trauma and cumulative trauma.
Shannon is clinical counsellor specialising in critical incident response and trauma – mainly with Aussie blokes dealing with issues including relationships, parenting, vocation, and addictions. If there’s any Plodcast you should tune into, it’s this one.
What is cumulative trauma?
Complex or cumulative trauma can be described as a type of trauma that occurs repeatedly and cumulatively, usually over a period of time and within specific relationships and contexts.
‘Cumulative’ in this context is “increasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions, something that is growing by accumulation” (Unknown, Cumulative PTSD – A Silent Killer).
Similar to Post Traumatic Stress, cumulative trauma is a result of traumatic events that affect the mental well being of an individual.
Examples can include child abuse, domestic abuse, military deployments to dangerous locations and working in emergency services.
If you’re interested in learning more after listening to this week’s episode, take a look at the ESF website here: https://esf.com.au/programs/mental-health-matters-2022/
I think I might be experiencing this – where can I get help?
If you’re not quite sure where to start, a helpful page to have a look at is our Get Support page. You’ll find primary and secondary support options available to you as a police veteran through PVV, which you may choose to engage with on their own, or be referred on to more specific services you might require.
There are also many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counselling and therapy to people of all ages. If you’re in need of more immediate support, or just need someone to talk to.
Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email.
Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, Monday – Sunday between 9am – 5pm AEST or via email helpline@blueknot.org.au.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
24/7 telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) is a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders. Their helpline provides support, information and referral to people with anxiety disorders and their families and carers, and mental health care providers. Tel: 1300 269 438 or (03) 9830 0533 (Monday to Friday 10.00am – 8.30pm).
SANE Australia Helpline – call 1800 187 263 for information about mental illness, treatments and support for you and your carer.
