Episode 12 - Mark Thomas

**Content Warning ** Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support. Episode Twelve - In this powerful episode of Triumph Beyond Trauma, Rosie Skene engages in a profound conversation with Sergeant Mark Thomas, exploring his twenty-eight years with Victoria Police and his significant mental health journey. From confronting the depths of mental illness following a traumatic incident in 2003 to his eventual diagnosis and journey with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Mark's narrative illuminates the stark reality of facing and fighting through the darkest moments of one's mind. The conversation delves into the critical importance of mental health education, the indescribable pain of feeling utterly alone, and the arduous path towards recovery that many first responders face alone. Beyond his personal journey, Sergeant Mark Thomas is on a mission to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the first responder community. His advocacy work through the founding of the Code Nine Foundation exemplifies his dedication to supporting his colleagues and their families on their mental health journeys. Mark's story is not just one of survival but is a beacon of hope, showing that growth from trauma is possible and emphasising the power of awareness, support, and resilience in overcoming mental health challenges. Find Rosie Skene: Join the Waitlist Tactical Yoga Australia Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method Follow me on Instagram & Facebook Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter Find Mark Thomas: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Code 9 Foundation Website Mental Health Resources:000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia) RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/ Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/ Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/ MensLine (24/7) 1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/ QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/