by Erin Cotter-smith - Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University

“There’s nothing that makes you feel as powerless as living with a partner with PTSD.“

This reflection has stayed with me for days.

Powerless.

I understand the deeply contextual situations that can lead to feelings like this. But to me, the word simply doesn’t describe the group of people I have recently had the privilege of talking to. 

The partners of first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder are anything but powerless. In all honesty, they have a strength I have rarely witnessed. 

Their collective voice is one of resilience.

Read Erin Cotter-Smith's full article in Australian Emergency Services Magazine