Why Survivors Need our Help

"Being on a DSP and being in severe financial hardship means having to prioritise where money is spent and on what, especially on a single income....My private health insurance, my mortgage,my bills...

I cannot afford a psychiatrist if they don't bulk bill...I currently have no supports. I do not want to use the public mental health system because they have severely traumatised me in the past. And not being able to afford medications just increases other health issues"– M., Melbourne,  

C-PTSD Survivor

"I have not been able to earn an income for the past ten years due to mental health complications, including C-PTSD, hence my access to assistance for these conditions has been limited. A mental health plan from my GP allows for limited psychology sessions per year, however this has not been adequate or sustainable for treatments. I have needed to seek support from my family to help me financially...which is both isolating and demoralising. The lack of recognition of C-PTSD as a specific diagnosis and misunderstanding of the severity of its associated symptoms compounds to make finding assistance very challenging. " -M., Melbourne, C-PTSD Survivor

"I gave up the inheritance I’d planned to use for my HECS debt just to afford treatment...

I hadn't even been able to use my qualifications from uni to apply for work because of how traumatised I had been from my last jobs. 

Treatment helped the trauma nightmares slow down, but they’ve been replaced by nightmares about the financial hole I’m in."-S., Melbourne,  C-PTSD Survivor

“It would mean hope. That’s the best way I can put it. Right now, healing feels like something for people who can afford it, not people like me. Support would mean I have a real chance to work on myself without falling deeper into debt.”
-L., Melbourne., -C‑PTSD Survivor

"Financial support to put towards recovery from C-PTSD would enable a better quality of life in that the recognition of the condition alone allows for validation and healing. Access to treatment without the concern of funding , especially when relying on government benefits as only income, would reduce stress and pressure when it comes to getting help."-M., Melbourne,   C-PTSD Survivor

"It would mean I could finally put my full energy into healing instead of constantly worrying about how to pay for each session. It would mean I could commit to therapy without feeling like I’m choosing between my recovery and my basic living needs. That kind of help would give me space to breathe, and to actually focus on getting well."-J., Melbourne, C-PTSD Survivor

Financial support for treatment would mean more money for medical issues that exacerbate my condition. And In therapy,I find myself in crisis mode talking about money, when really I should be talking about my trauma. It'd be such a relief just to have such a burden lifted off my shoulders. -S., Melbourne, C-PTSD Survivor

"That it's not just dealing with the cost of treatment for trauma. I have never met someone like me who doesn't have at least three chronic health conditions; chronic pain, autoimmune issues, you name it! 

After all the medical bills, paying for psychiatrist, rheumatologist, gastrointestinologist, medication, etc. Plus the struggle of even getting back to work, how in the world are we supposed to afford therapy?!"

– S., Melbourne, C-PTSD Survivor

"C-PTSD is a deeply challenging condition that affects every aspect of one's life. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition allows for introspection and understanding of symptoms that left unaddressed can lead to severely negative outcomes for individuals and families. Increasing education around this could help to reduce stigma also, which would be of great help to the wider community in managing and preventing this condition."-M.,Melbourne, C-PTSD Survivor

I wish the wider community and more Practitioners understood more about C-PTSD. I feel it is a hidden disability that is greatly misunderstood and often not even recognised. I wish they knew how debilitating the condition is. That people understood generational trauma. -K.,Melbourne., C-PTSD Survivor

"I just wish people knew we exist...and we are suffering in silence. Our condition is real  Just because it's not in the DSM, doesn't mean we are not living an extremely debilitating life. We are real and please...we need help...It would literally mean more than you could imagine."  

-S.,Melbourne.,C-PTSD Survivor