PTSD Peer Support

PTSD Peer Support PTSD Peer Support is a recovery-focused community, created by people with PTSD, for people with PTSD.

FEMALE - DEFENCE FORCE and FIRST RESPONDERSWHEN: -  TUESDAY - 1st SEPT 2026 - (The FIRST TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH)START TI...
31/08/2026

FEMALE - DEFENCE FORCE and FIRST RESPONDERS
WHEN: - TUESDAY - 1st SEPT 2026 - (The FIRST TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH)
START TIME: PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times for each states / region are listed below.
6:00pm QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
5:30pm SA, NT
4:00pm WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

This Online meet-up is for SERVICE WOMEN with Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD) is being provided in response to request from service women.

Whether you’re waiting for therapy, managing financial barriers, or simply needing support between treatment sessions, our all female Defence and First Responder PTSD meet up offers a gentle place to land.

We don't talk about the details of traumatic events. PTSD Peer Support encourages people with PTSD to engage a mental health professional to help them process the details of traumatic events. Our meet-ups are recovery focused, with information on managing symptoms, and ways to meet the day to day challenges of life with PTSD. When it comes to PTSD "if you've got it, we get it"

You can participate if you feel like it in shared recovery conversations, or just listen and build resilience together. It’s a warm, understanding space where women can connect, share what helps, and rebuild confidence and find hope at their own pace. No pressure - just community connection, grounding, and recovery focused support. Confidentiality is respected in this safe space.

The female moderator of this meet-up is former Law Enforcement, who is trauma informed, has a Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work and has lived experience of PTSD. Any resources or information shared in this meet-up by the moderator are evidence based.
You are not alone, if you want to join us today and check out this resource there is no pressure to share, you can just listen or join in the conversation what ever feels comfortable for you.
For more information
Visit: www.ptsdpeersupport.com
Email: [email protected]

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP?
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend, and then click on the meet-up labled FEMALE – DEFENCE and FIRST RESPONDERS. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your chosen name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on for entering the meet-up.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID 896 0284 2233
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

TUESDAY – SLEEP, PTSD and NIGHTMARES – 1st SEPT 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times are listed below for ...
31/08/2026

TUESDAY – SLEEP, PTSD and NIGHTMARES – 1st SEPT 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times are listed below for the various regions.
7:00am QLD. NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Online meet-ups run for 1 hour

Sleep problems are a common part of PTSD and are part of the PTSD diagnosis criteria. PTSD causes the nervous system to be in a heightened state of alertness, this is known as Hyperarousal and this can impact the ability to get to sleep, to stay asleep and the quality of sleep. For many individuals with PTSD, it is normal to experience insomnia and interrupted sleep. Having nightmares are also common symptoms of PTSD. It can also be normal to avoid sleep, I found I didn't want to go to the bedroom or turn the lights off, so for months I would fall asleep from pure exhaustion on the lounge room couch with the lights and television on. With PTSD I developed a fear of the dark and at night I needed the TV or music on to help manage my anxiety. It didn’t take the anxiety away; it just helped to stop it escalating.

With PTSD my sleep pattern was really messed up for a couple of years. The heightened state of alertness that PTSD caused me meant I was always on edge, and I could not get to sleep easily. I was exhausted but wide awake at the same time. My mind didn't stop. When I did get to sleep, I had a lot of nightmares and sometimes I couldn't remember them, but I would wake up gasping for air or yelling and sit bolt upright with my heart pounding and my bedding was soaked wet and completely messed up as if I had been wrestling someone in my sleep. I woke up exhausted every day. I need to note here that I personally preferred not to take sleeping medication and that is a choice each person needs to make for themselves.

Getting good quality sleep and rest is important to mental health so these sleep issues were not helping my fragile psychological state. Lack of sleep is my Kryptonite. When I'm over tired i am more likely to feel depressed or anxious which always made me nervous because in that exhausted state my thinking would become very dark and spiral to questions of the point in my existence.

I spoke with my doctor about my sleep challenges, and she provided me with several option like, medications, natural sleep aids, and she referred me too a sleep clinic where I saw a clinician who gave me some tips. These were the things he suggested I do,
1. Limit screen time - two hours before sleep, because the screen light and what I'm watching stimulates the brain. Which means my brain won't start producing the natural sleep hormones. That one was impossible for me, i could not put my phone down two hours before sleep.... but I did start to limit the number of times I picked it up. I was suffering anxiety (hyperarousal)l from PTSD and avoiding any stimulation of my brain when trying to get to sleep was definitely helpful.
2 A warm shower one hour before bed
3. Avoid eating a meal before you start to wind down for bedtime
4. Set a time to finish caffeine beverages before sleep routine starts
5. Keep a strict routine before bed each night so the brain starts to recognise the pattern as the "prepare to sleep now" routine. I found this one easy. I turned off the TV, put on some relaxing music, lite some candles and put on some incense that I like the smell of and I did a little relax body scan.
6. have a light activity I do only before bed. I started doing a word find puzzle game and I found if I wake during the night and I feel wide awake, I can do the word puzzle game and it makes me sleepy so I can get back to sleep.
7. He said set a time to begin this routine, about an hour before going to bed. I started my wind down at 8pm and be in bed at 9:30pm
8. It is always good to chat with your doctor and your therapist. They have helpful solutions, strategies and medications they can share or prescribe you to help with sleep. I found letting professionals help me get well was very beneficial and I didn't feel as alone with my wellness journey. Some people find it takes a few tries to find a professional they feel comfortable with. It took a long time for my sleep to get remotely regular. For a long time I was surviving on 2 or 4 hours sleep and I was exhausted every day but now I get much better sleep usually between 6 and 7 hours a night.

Another thing the sleep clinician explained to me was the natural cycle the body goes through as it prepares for sleep. I had to learn to recognise the early signs of tiredness, yawning, heavy eyelids, a sense of slowing down, and understand that these signals meant my body was entering a “sleep wave.” The goal was to try to catch that wave by lying down as soon as those cues appeared.

With PTSD, I realised I had been resisting that sleep wave because I was afraid to go to sleep in case something happened to me. My whole sleep routine became focused on creating enough safety and security in my home so I could allow myself to rest. Learning to notice the wave, and to trust that it was safe enough to follow it, became an important part of rebuilding my sleep.

I had to be patient and keep trying each night to practise the strategies I’d been taught, and not give up. It’s a bit like going to the gym: you don’t get the benefits from one or two good sessions. At first it can feel like you’re putting in effort without seeing any results, but over time persistence really does pay off. Consistency is key because it helps the brain recognise and respond to the “prepare to sleep” routine. There is solid neuroscience behind this, and it’s especially relevant for people living with PTSD, where the nervous system doesn’t naturally down shift on its own.
For me, progress was gradual. Occasionally I’d get an extra 30 minutes of sleep, or I’d wake up feeling like I’d slept slightly better. It wasn’t instant, and in the beginning I had more bad nights than okay ones. The aim was simply to make even the smallest adjustment each night to bring my routine closer to good sleep practices.

Join us today as we explore our personal experiences of PTSD and the benefits of having a sleep routine. We’ll look at the science behind sleep, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and practical ways to improve rest. We’ll also share links to helpful resources and information for anyone wanting to learn more or strengthen their own sleep practices.

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, you can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP:
There are two ways to join the meet-up. Through the ZOOM website on your web browser, or via PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the PTSD Peer Support website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

*** ZOOM website: Join via the ZOOM website
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted put our password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
Contact us via our website if you need help getting online, we will arrange someone to help you and so you the features of the ZOOM online meeting platform. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/contact.

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information shared on this site is shared purely as a resource and is not considered to be a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

MONDAY - WELLNESS RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE DAY - 31st AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times for each state...
30/08/2026

MONDAY - WELLNESS RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE DAY - 31st AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times for each states:
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

Today’s meet-up topic is about having a Wellness Recovery Plan which can help us gently organise the week ahead so we’re not carrying everything in our heads. It gives us space to notice what’s important, prepare for any appointments or commitments coming up, and intentionally weave in self care and the strategies that support PTSD recovery. The aim isn’t to do everything perfectly, it’s to create a simple, supportive structure that helps us move through the next seven days with self care as our foundation to gently improve our resilience.

Because PTSD can affect concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions, it can be helpful to include small daily activities that re engage the brain, things like puzzles, word games, gentle problem solving tasks, or creative exercises. These can support cognitive recovery over time and can make thinking feel a little clearer and more organised. It’s also important to factor in emotional reset time after tasks that feel stressful or demanding. Allowing space to decompress helps the nervous system settle, reduces overwhelm, and makes it easier to move into the next part of the day with a more balanced pace. Intentionally taking this reset time supports the nervous system, builds a sense of safety, and strengthens self‑trust, all of which are essential foundations in PTSD recovery.

For me it has been really important to make sure my plan is achievable, and that it also needs to be developed by me, for me. Before writing it I need to check-in with myself to assess what my capacity to achieve it might be today. For example: maybe I am feeling tired because I didn't sleep well, or am I feeling irritable, anxious or depressed, and for some individuals it might be what degree of physical pain am I experiencing today? If I am tired, I probably won't put things on my plan that require a certain degree of patience or focus. To help prevent becoming overwhelmed I don't put to many things on my plan. I just keep it simple and achievable.

A Wellness Recovery Plan is not a test, so I can’t fail. It’s also not a “have to do” list, it’s simply a helpful guide I can have a go at following today. It reminds me of the strategies my therapist has suggested, and it supports me to move through the day with a simple, structured routine I can anchor myself to. The plan also gives me a sense of predictability and control, which can help reduce anxiety and stabilise my mood.

Because the brain’s job is to keep me safe and make decisions for survival, it naturally prefers routines that are predictable as the predictability helps the brain to relax. A plan provides that gentle structure. It offers a clear, familiar framework that helps both the brain and the body relax a little, making the day feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

We always encourage you to check with your treating health professional, as they may have a template they feel is most suitable for your needs. This topic is offered as a general suggestion only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.

Join us this morning for support and encouragement from others with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression and who understand. There are no expectation and no pressure.

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, you can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP:
There are two ways to join the meet-up. Through the ZOOM website on your web browser, or via PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the PTSD Peer Support website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

*** ZOOM website: Join via the ZOOM website
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted put our password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

Contact us via our website if you need help getting online, we will arrange someone to help you and so you the features of the ZOOM online meeting platform. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/contact.

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information shared on this site is shared purely as a resource and is not considered to be a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

SUNDAY - CONSTRUCTIVE REFLECTION – 30th AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support today's online meet-up:7:00am QLD. NSW, VIC, ACT, TA...
29/08/2026

SUNDAY - CONSTRUCTIVE REFLECTION – 30th AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support today's online meet-up:
7:00am QLD. NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Online meet-ups run for 1 hour

As the week comes to an end, it feels like a great time to pause for constructive reflection. Constructive reflection means purposefully thinking about our past day or week to be able to celebrate growth and wellness milestones and identify areas I might want to gently change or improved.

A reflective practice can help me gauge how I’m doing with my PTSD symptoms, self-care and moving gently towards my wellness goals. It gives me space to recognise my successes and achievements and to celebrate every milestone in my recover. I can reflect on how my self-care has been this week and if there may be something I need additional support with. If I have a therapist I can reflect on any discussions we have had and if there is anything I agreed to try I can take time to gauge how my experience of it has been.

This reflection is not about mentally pressuring myself to achieve more; it’s about encouraging myself from a place of self compassion and kindness, acknowledging the things I have achieved, what is working well for me and what isn’t aligning with health goals yet. I don’t have to do anything, it’s about acknowledging what is working for my nervous system and helping me to regulate emotionally, how is creating connection and safety going for me, how I am managing my healthy boundaries, how is my self-care going. Its about seeing what things or situations have activated (triggered) me during the week, what has helped me to return to a calmer state after stress, what strengths I have, did I try anything new and how did it go, and is there anything I want to discuss with my therapist.

For my reflection I intentionally set aside time and choose a comfortable place to reflect. I prefer using a journal or notebook, although there are also reflection tools available online if I want a more structured guide. I’m happy to share links to these if anyone would like to try them. I acknowledge all my achievements, no matter how small they may seem. I know how much effort even the smallest tasks can take, especially when living with PTSD. During periods of crippling depression or anxiety, simply brushing my teeth might be my achievement for the day—and that is absolutely worth celebrating.

Sometimes this reflection brings up a challenge that I am unsure how to address on my own. When that happens, I discuss it with my therapist so we can explore it safely and in more depth. We discuss strategies or practical tools that support my continued growth toward my wellness goals.

For me, it’s essential to remember that this reflection tool is constructive, not destructive. Approaching it with self compassion, self care, and patience is key. Any plan for the day or the week is not a test, I cannot fail. It’s simply a guide that helps me gently monitor how I’m going in my daily and weekly recovery journey.
You are welcome to join todays ONLINE Meet-up. We all have lived or living experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Our meet-up is recovery focused. There's no expectation or pressure to participate. You are welcome just to listen. We discuss the topic for the first 5mins and we have an open share for anyone who would like to share something about their wellness journey.
You are welcome to contact us for more information or help getting online. Email us at [email protected]

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share on this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

SATURDAY – MEDITATION  – 29 AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times are listed below for the various regi...
28/08/2026

SATURDAY – MEDITATION – 29 AUG 2026. PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times are listed below for the various regions.
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

Meditation is a gentle practice that can help develop skills for managing stress, regulating emotions, increasing self-awareness, improving focus, and supporting healthy sleep. Research continues to show that meditation can have significant benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. If you're interested in learning more about the evidence behind meditation, feel free to send me a private message and I'll happily share some of the research, including studies from Harvard University.

Please speak with your treating health professional before beginning a meditation practice to ensure it is appropriate for your recovery. A special note for people living with PTSD: meditation can sometimes trigger dissociation, emotional overwhelm, or flashbacks. Checking with your therapist or mental health professional is important before beginning. Working with a trauma-informed meditation teacher can help ensure the practice is adapted to your needs and carried out in a safe, supportive way.

Meditation practices can help us shift our attention away from the constant stream of thoughts in our minds and towards our present-moment experience, including our surroundings, body sensations, and breathing. When we notice that our attention has drifted back to our thoughts, we gently guide it back to our breath and our awareness of the world around us.

It sounds simple, but many people find it challenging, and I certainly did. My attention would continually return to my thoughts like a homing pigeon finding its way home. Rather than seeing this as a failure, I learned that gently redirecting my attention back to my breath was actually the practice.

With time and regular practice, I began to experience the benefits of meditation. I can now use these skills to calm and ground myself in situations that I find stressful, such as airports, busy supermarkets, and crowded entertainment venues. While everyone's experience is different, meditation has become a valuable tool that helps me manage stress and stay connected to the present moment.

Some of the different types of meditation include guided meditation, breathing meditation, sound meditation, mantra meditation (focusing on a repeating sound, word, or phrase), mindfulness meditation, walking meditation, loving-kindness (compassion) meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, movement-based meditation (such as Tai Chi and Qigong), and yoga. Different styles suit different people, so it can be helpful to explore a variety of approaches to find what feels safe, comfortable, and beneficial for you.

Some Trauma-Informed Meditation Tips
Start with short sessions (1 to 5 minutes can be enough).
Choose a trauma-informed instructor or program when possible.
Consider movement-based practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, or walking meditation if sitting still feels difficult.
Keep your eyes open if closing them feels unsafe.
Focus on external surroundings rather than internal sensations if that feels more comfortable.
Remember that noticing your mind wander and gently bringing it back is the practice.

Most meditation practices include some form of breathwork because of its powerful calming effect on the body and mind. Our breathing provides a gentle rhythm that is always with us, making it an ideal focus point when we want to bring our attention into the present moment. By slowing our breathing and taking deeper, more deliberate breaths, we can help reassure our brain and nervous system that we are safe. This encourages the body to move away from a "fight or flight" response and towards a calmer "rest and digest" state, helping us feel more grounded and relaxed.

In many ways, learning to meditate is like learning to drive a manual car which is different to an automatic car. When learning to drive a manual car, you must learn how to take control of the vehicle by changing gears, managing its speed, steering its direction, and applying the brakes when needed. The goal is to drive in a way that is safe, comfortable, and calm. Learning to drive a manual car takes time, patience, and practice. No one expects to become a confident driver after a single lesson. Meditation is much the same. If you are thinking about trying meditation, start with a beginner's class, just as you would take driving lessons when learning to drive. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to learn the skills and be patient with yourself as you practise.

There are many different forms of meditation, and not every approach will suit every person. Just as different cars have different features to meet different people's needs, different meditation practices offer different benefits and experiences. Explore a variety of styles and discover which ones feel most comfortable, safe, and effective for you. Most importantly, approach the journey with curiosity and a sense of adventure. Each practice is an opportunity to develop a deeper connection with yourself, your surroundings, and the present moment.

For those living with PTSD who are considering returning to meditation, I understand that it can be challenging. Before developing PTSD, I had a regular meditation practice that I found very beneficial. After my traumatic experience, however, I found it almost impossible to meditate. It has taken me four years to reconnect with the practice, and along the way I had to let go of my expectations and become a beginner again. Returning to meditation required me to take a trauma-informed approach and to work at a pace that felt safe and manageable. While the journey has not always been easy, I have found it worthwhile. Through meditation I discovered it is not possible to stop my mind from thinking. After all, thinking is what the mind is designed to do. What meditation has taught me, however, is that I don't have to give my thoughts my attention all the time. Instead, I can gently shift my focus to my breathing or my surroundings and allow my mind to continue thinking in the background. The thoughts are still there, but they no longer need to be the centre of my attention.

Once again, please consult your treating mental health professional before starting or returning to a meditation practice. It is also important to seek out a trauma-informed meditation teacher or class. These instructors are trained to create a safe and supportive environment and can help you if you begin to feel overwhelmed, activated, dissociated, or otherwise unwell during a practice. Meditation is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment.

Most importantly, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Recovery is not a race, and there is no right timeline for returning to meditation. Taking small, manageable steps and honouring your own limits can help create a safer and more positive experience.
Join us today as we share the many healing paths our journey has taken. We will provide form evidence based research and articles for you to explore todays topic in more depth.

COST: FREE, we believe financial challenges should not be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help
This ZOOM link will take you right into the online meet-up.

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information shared on this site is shared purely as a resource and is not considered to be a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

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Myrtle Creek, NSW
2469

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