30th May 2014 marks Western Australia’s first ‘Invisible Wounds: PTSD Awareness Day’, which recognises the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on those who have served their country.

Veterans Minister Joe Francis said the day would also promote awareness of the symptoms and effects of PTSD in the wider Western Australian community.

In April, State Parliament gave bi-partisan support to dedicating the last Friday in May each year to ‘Invisible Wounds: PTSD Awareness Day’.

“This is a significant issue in the community, not just for armed forces veterans, but also those who serve the community in other areas such as policing and emergency services,” Mr Francis said.

“PTSD is a complex disorder that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.  Symptoms of the mental health disorder include feelings of intense fear and panic, and a sense of helplessness. The disorder not only affects those suffering from it but also the wellbeing of the people who are closest to them, such as partners, children or other family members.
History reveals that negative reactions to traumatic events have been known for thousands of years.  Only the name, ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’, which was coined in 1980, is new.”

The Minister gave credit to the Partners of Veterans Association WA Inc. for raising the PTSD issue and seeking to draw greater attention to the impact of the disorder.

“We need to acknowledge that PTSD has a very real and lasting effect on people and is a cost to the community,” he said.

Click on the link below to read more details of the media statement by Hon Joe Francis, including links to the fact files.