POLICE, MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER STRESS TRAINING
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by what you’ve experienced on duty?
Do you ever feel like the world around you is closing in, and you can’t unwind?
Are you constantly on “high alert” even when not at work?
Do you have angry outbursts at those around you, or have you become quiet and withdrawn?
Do you ever feel like everyone else is OK while you feel like you’re losing it?
Who is this workshop for?
Police, military and emergency service careers are among the most stressful and high-pressure jobs on the planet. The people in these professions will see more trauma, violence and human devastation in one shift than most people will see in a lifetime.
Exposure to these experiences has a profound effect on a person’s mental health and emotional well-being. Police, military and first responder PTSD and Critical Stress Trauma is at an all-time high due to:
- The rise of violent crime
- The accumulative effect from years of policing
- The hyper-vigilance and hyper-awareness that is difficult to turn off
- The stigma associated with asking for help with these impacts
- The lack of respect shown for police and military by society and sections of the media.
- The increased scrutiny of police and military actions due to technological advancement
- The prevalence of illegal drug activity and its violent effects on offenders
- The upsurge of physical violence towards police and military
- Rising institutional pressures due to more media scrutiny creating a divide between police, military and the community
- The advent of social media, allowing the rise of movements actively attacking police/miliatry and their actions.
‘We often don’t even realise that we are suffering from stress because as Police, Military and First Responders we are constantly in a state of hyper-vigilance and awareness. It just seems ‘normal’. We are used to helping others, not getting help ourselves.”
Many people involved in critical incidents can suffer Critical Incident Stress Trauma and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can be in the form of one specific incident or an accumulation of many seemingly less traumatic events. The stress and pressure experienced by our police officers, soldiers and first responders is evidenced in the prevalence of stress-related mental injuries within these communities and the well-above-average instances of workplace leave due to stress-related conditions.
During this workshop, participants will learn:
- The early indicators of incident stress or PTSD
- How to overcome the stigma associated with getting assistance
- Strategies to deal with the physical and mental effects on our health
- How to reduce and cope with the stress in our lives
- How to minimise the impact of the job on your family
- What is the difference between “good stress” and “bad stress”
- What we should do if we suspect another person may be having problems
- Where to go for help if you feel you need some support
- What is PTSD and how to deal with it
- What is Critical Incident Stress Trauma and how to inoculate against it
- You are not alone, there are so many people in the same space as you
Real Life Applications
This unique workshop does not simply present theoretical ideas with no application to the field. It relies on real-world events and tactics that will have a powerful impact on the participants. I tell my own story to remove the stigma surrounding Critical Stress and PTSD and to help other police, military and first responders prepare themselves for what they will experience in their careers and help innoculate them against the effects of their jobs.
Workshops are uniquely tailored to the client’s requirements and location.
Investment: $3,500 AUD plus GST plus travel costs.
If you are wanting to present multiple workshops in one day a discounted rate will be applied. If funding these workshops is a problem, please contact me to discuss.
What participants say
What was the most useful part of the workshop?
“It was absolutely fantastic, all QPS members should attend”
“Recognising early warning signs of stress”
“Open conversation – actually talking about mental health”
“Shaun talking about his own experiences & how he changed his life”
“Understanding that we are not alone. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and talking about issues”
“Knowing that there are people who genuinely want to help you”
“Knowing to persist in asking people how they are”
“The interaction between Shaun and the group”
Any other general feedback about the presentation?
“One word….excellent.”
“Very well presented. Every OIC/supervisor in QPS should attend.”
“Keep up the great work, this will help so many people.”
“Very well spent 2 hours. Definitely recommend others to attend.”
“Excellent presentation.”
“This should be compulsory for ALL members, especially management.”
“Very engaging presenter.”
“Excellent workshop.”
Was there any part of the workshop that wasn’t helpful or relevant to your own work or life?
100% of attendees answered No or left the question unanswered.
Other feedback received via email and messages:
“My name is xxxx, I’m from Operations Support Command and attended the critical stress lecture you delivered here at the academy rec club about 18 months ago. Just thought I would drop you a line and let you know that your lecture literally changed my life! I was a very angry, isolated and closed off person and thought that was normal. Your lecture opened my eyes and opened a whole new world for me. I have grown significantly over the last 18months as a result.
From the bottom of my heart mate, I thank you for delivering that lecture, it’s a very courageous and brave thing you’re doing. I have spoken with a number of the guys here who have had similar experiences.”
“We caught Shaun’s presentation this morning. It is both raw and insightful, whilst being 1,000,000% relevant. Shaun O’Gorman is the perfect instrument of delivery here whilst being wonderfully supported by Paul Casey. (Executive Director Health & Safety Queensland Police Service) The incredible underlying message is that both of these superb men genuinely care about cops and have done more than a few laps of both the operational and corporate sphere’s, allowing them to provide a no-holds barred, straight between the eyes appraisal of what WE AS COPS NEED in order to extend our mental and physical well being. GET TO THIS PRESENTATION and by that we mean GET ALL YOUR MATES as well… one word… Superb.”
“I attended this session today to listen to a good friend in Shaun O’Gorman. I was moved by his honesty and emotion; and his story, which, despite knowing him for over 25 years, I had never fully heard, or understood. Many things he spoke about I could relate to and recognise in my own ‘story’. I believe this workshop should be compulsory for every member. It’s an important message. It’s time we broke down the barriers, discarded any stigma about PTSD and openly talk to each other, recognise the signs and look after your mental health before you become mentally injured. Great work SOG. Keep it up mate.
“Shaun, I attended one of your seminars for the QPS a few days back in xxxxx. Since then I have listened to about twenty of your podcasts and have subscribed to your website. Everything you said really resonated with me. Sometimes I get so focused on continuing as normal and being the best I can be at work, the best mother and the best support for my husband. I forget to be the best me. You have reminded me of what I need to do and given me hope that my husband can work through his depression and PTSD. Thank you again, I look forward to your future podcasts.”
“Hi Shaun, attended your workshop today and it was fantastic. Thank you so much for your insight, lessons learned & for working tirelessly to make our police world a better one. Sincere gratitude from Mark & I.”
“Shaun I was at your presentation today and just wanted to thank you for a fantastic talk. This was a real light bulb moment for me. I am 11 years in the job with the past 4 being in Scenes of Crime. Over the last 2 years I think I have started going downhill. Cranky, emotional, distant and like you said today if I died in the job then so be it. I’m the guy in the office that seems to have his shit together, the funny guy, the go-to guy. This is so far from the truth. I think this has made it difficult to talk to my people. I really got a lot out your presentation today and haven’t stop telling my wonderful wife. I am absolutely committed to changing my mindset. Thank you.”
“Hi Shaun. I attended today at xxxx. I have been on rehab for 12 months after attempting suicide 18 months ago. I was in uniform the day I tried. Spent weeks in hospital and have ongoing psychiatric and psychologist appointments. And medication to keep me balanced. Anyway I learnt things from you today to make my life stronger. What you are doing is so important. Don’t forget to look after yourself whilst helping others. Thank you.”
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