Think on Good

PTSD- Think on Good -Guest Roger Weeks, CEO and Co-Founder of PTSD Dogs Australia, describes his lived experience with PTSD and how he was diagnosed. Roger explains the importance of talking to someone about your condition, thoughts, experience and how, specially trained assistance dogs make a world of difference in managing PTSD symptoms.Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD impacts the lives around us with debilitating symptoms.According to the most recent national study of health and well-being around 11% of Australians experience PTSD in their life and with women almost twice as likely to develop the illness then men.This condition while not exclusive to frontline professionals, is often experienced for those attending to trauma events as part of their careers including ambulance, fire, police and defence service men and women.While there are many avenues to help manage PTSD, today we look at the part of the faithful dog with co-founder of PTSD dogs Australia Roger Weeks joining us now.PTSD Dogs Australia is a charity program based on the Sunshine Coast Queensland, training rescue dogs to be companions to assist veterans and first responders or those exposed to trauma events.PTSD Dogs Australia; charity program www.ptsddogs.org.auPost Traumatic Stress disorder or PTSD symptoms may vary, and it is best to consult with a medical professional about diagnosis however some of the symptoms can include being on constant alert, angry outbursts, sleeplessness, avoiding social activity or public places and unwanted thoughts and at times nightmares.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms-Being on constant alert- angry outbursts-sleeplessness-avoid sensory stressorssocial and public places-nightmares and unwanted thoughts.PTSD Dogs are specifically trained to provide support for PTSD and trauma related illness. These dogs are trained and matched to assist with specific needs and requirements, like waking the handler from a nightmare or going to the shop for groceries.Training dogs to assist -stress episodes, nightmares, shopping, public places, social activitiesTo apply for an assistance dog especially trained to support you with individual requirements-go to the website and fill out the form and PTSD Dogs Australia team will help you with the next steps. www.ptsddogs.org.auFor additional PTSD information and support go to Open Arms phone 1800 011 046 orwww.openarms.gov.au To help the work PTSD dogs Australia is providing, go to the website to donate or register to volunteer- www.ptsddogs.org.auThink on good is a program offering information for mind health and is not intended to replace medical treatment, professional advice or diagnosis.If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health symptoms, for immediate support contact Lifeline 13 11 14.conversation @thinkongood

Dr Manju Rajaratnam explains, you are not meant to stay in a prolonged survival mode. If this is you or someone you know, it is important to seek support with a medical professional to discuss how to manage symptoms and restore healthy brain chemistry. Dr. Rajaratnam, is a GP with more than 29 experience helping people manage physical health, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, especially during life’s toughest seasons. conversation @thinkongood podcast#brainchemistry #mentalhealth #wellness #parenting #podcast #support GRAPHIC 1Stress (fight or flight) chemicalsAdrenaline, CortisolGRAPHIC 2Feel good chemicalsDopamine, endorphins, serotoninGRAPHIC 3 + Image included5 A TherapyAnchor -Faith in God or greater powerAwareness- recognise negative thought and choose to changeAcceptance- Understand pain, loss and betrayal are a part of life.Appreciation- Focus on what you have.Amend- Where possible mend relationships.GRAPHIC 4Centre for clinical interventionwww.cci.health.wa.gov.auVirtual Hope Box APPNow for a quick recap for building resilience in crisis.When we are faced with a crisis, there is a chemical reaction in our bodies that equips us to act. Known as the fight or flight mode.This is needed to act in an emergency however it is important we do not stay in the fight or flight mode.Prolonged thinking on a stress episode causes changes to our brain and body leading to depletion in the necessary feel-good chemicals, like dopamine.While this is complex, one way to calm and rebalance in these times isto build resilience and emotional fitness drawing on strong foundations of close connections.This is an overview of Dr Manju’s 5A therapy Framework for reference-Anchor -by Faith in God or greater powerAwareness- by recognising negative thought patterns and decide to change thoughts to align with your values and true identity.Acceptance- by Understanding pain, loss and betrayal are a part of life. Instead of reacting in anger or bitterness, make the choice to forgive.Appreciation- by Focusing on what you have. Write out or think about the good things in your day. Write a note of thanks to someone you know. This impacts your thinking and helps others as well.Amend- Where possible mend relationships. Humble yourself where needed with apology and accept disagreements will occur. Letting go of disagreements calms your brain and improves relationships.Dr Manju draws this five A framework from evidence-based therapies and includes elements of the AA 12 step model.These are some resources for you to support a healthy mind and build resilience.Go to Centre for clinical intervention websiteand the app, Virtual hope box.

Sharmayne Bennett, Psychologist at Wonderfully Wired Psychology, shares valuable insights into ADHD and neurodivergence, reminding us to appreciate the diversity in how people think and process the world.Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain function and thinking styles that include, but are not limited to, Autism, ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Preferences, Dyslexia, and more. These ways of thinking reflect differences rather than deficits.Examples of neurodivergent identities include:Autistic peopleADHDersPeople with Down syndromePeople with DyscalculiaPeople with DyslexiaPeople with Obsessive-Compulsive PreferencesPeople with Intellectual DisabilitiesPeople with Mental Health ConditionsADHD involves differences in attention regulation, impulsivity, and activity levels—traits that can present both challenges and unique strengths.Helpful Neurodivergence Resources:www.yellowladybugs.com.auwww.reframingautism.org.au/resources/www.divergentfutures.com/freeresourceswww.neuroqueer.comwww.embrace-autism.comFor up-to-date information on diagnosis and support reforms related to ADHD, please consult trusted professional sources. www.wonderfullywiredpsychology.com.au@thinkongood podcast

Clinical Lead, social work and mental health first aid trainer, Leigh explains how the brain works in stress, learning how to manage anxiety and the essential First Aid Training Course for everyone.Understanding how the brain works in stress helps everyone to consider the symptoms that can show up after intense times of stress. Like most health changes, it is important to see your GP to discuss treatment options.

Dads4Kids CEO, Nathaniel Marsh talks about the online course and support to help Dads improve relationships with their children.Courageous Fathering Course onlineparentingpersonal growthrelationshipsFamily CrisisPersonal LifeDaily ChoicesWork-Life Balancewww.dads4kids.org.auDiscipline from the place of loveAdvice on being a single DadBuilding positive memories for your childrenLearn how to make your children feel specialCultivate 11 traits of manhoodDads4Kids researchFatherlessness studies indicate children more likely-Poor academic achievementLow self-esteemPsychological distressDelinquency and RecidivismSubstance use/abuseAdult criminal offendingDepressionReference- Muehlenburg, B 2025 Dads4Kids;Rodgers, B. Australian National University (ANU).Courageous Fathering Course onlineparentingpersonal growthrelationshipsFamily CrisisPersonal LifeDaily ChoicesWork-Life Balancewww.dads4kids.org.auSupport for single DadsSingle Dads ResourcesThe Daily Dad-personal storiesinformationresourcesnewsletter for news and encouragementwww.dads4kids.org.au/resources/single-dads/Support for familiesDads in DistressMums in DistressGrandparents in DistressPhone 1300 853437Parents beyond breakupwww.parentsbeyondbreakup.com

Hope FoundSometimes you need others to speak into your life how it should be for you. Beyond your current circumstances, there are others ready to help find the right program, course therapy, treatment or conversation that will bring hope back into your day.Hope Found conversation @thinkongood podcast

Coffee and HopeHope House Espresso on the Sunshine Coast offers support across Australia to manage crisis situations for women and families. Go to the website and fill out the form and someone will be in contact to help connect you to a range of supports including counselling, financial support and housing assistance.Coffee and Hope conversation @thinkongood podcast