With millions of Australians in lockdown as states battle to contain the Delta strain of COVID-19, significant concerns continue to emerge over the increase, and evolving impact, of mental illness and PTSD in the community.
At this difficult time for many individuals, national not-for- profit organisation, FearLess, have made the decision to offer free registration to any Australian wishing to attend its virtual National Conversation on PTSD next month.
To be held virtually across two days on 24-25 August 2021, the event is dedicated to building its national network that informs and educates the health professionals who care for, research, and treat PTSD, as well as supporting the one million Australians currently suffering from the condition and the estimated five million Australians who are actively supporting or caring for someone with PTSD.
The theme of the 2021 National Conversation is 'PTSD in an Era of Trauma' to reflect the current Australian landscape.
The free registration option – reduced from $49 – will enable attendees to access all plenary sessions across the two-day event, including presentations from a range of international and domestic speakers, and on-demand access.
FearLess Chairman and Co-Founder, Chris Barrie AC, said the decision to offer free registrations to those who may require support during this time of uncertainty reinforces the commitment FearLess has to the Australian community to provide up-to-date and accessible information on PTSD.
"FearLess understands that many people impacted by these lockdowns are struggling financially and we want to ensure that people who might benefit from our excellent program of speakers can access this information without any additional financial burden," he said.
"There is a common yet misplaced understanding that PTSD is a condition that targets only military personnel or emergency services workers.
"But we know that major events like the 2019/20 bushfires have had a significant impact in regions where victims are now suffering from compounding trauma in response to ongoing lockdowns.
"I would strongly encourage any person who is struggling with their mental health to head to the conference website and take advantage of the free registration offer."
Plenary sessions include:
· The Bushfire Crisis: impact and lessons learned, featuring:
o Greg Mullins, former Commissioner Fire & rescue NSW
o Peter Dunn, Major General (retd) from Emergency Leaders for Climate Action
· Dealing with post-traumatic stress during a time of global trauma, featuring:
o Hannah Green, lived experience specialist, talking about her own personal experiences of trauma and homelessness, and how to create environments that are trauma-informed as pandemic recovery begins.
· Challenges for Regional Australia, featuring:
o Fifth-generation farmer Kate McBride, discussing her experience with mental health in rural Australia in the wake of recent disasters and the global pandemic.
Keynote speaker Major General (retd) Peter Dunn said the fee reduction is a great initiative at this difficult time for so many Australians.
"As I have
