Mark Thomas: on learning to live again

*Content Warning - depiction and discussion of suicide* Mark Thomas was a ways into his policing career before he was injured with post-traumatic stress. He’d been to scenes of suicides, drug overdoses, and deaths; but it was just one scene in 2003 that would change him forever. In February of 2013, Mark was hospitalised and formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. It was this experience at his lowest point that led him to create the Code 9 Foundation: a charitable foundation providing support for current and veteran professional first responders and Triple Zero operators who live with mental health conditions that often result from their service to the community. If you are struggling and have suicidal thoughts, please know you are not alone and help is available. Please contact any one of the following organisations: Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also chat online with the Lifeline support service, available 24/7. Suicide Crisis Text Line – 0477 13 11 14 For those who feel more comfortable with texting rather than talking to someone. Confidential one-to-one text with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also chat online with the beyondblue support service every day from 3:00 PM until 12:00 AM (AEDST).