> Skip to content

Article  •  7 May 2017

 

PTSD survival tips

Ten coping strategies from Simon Gillard’s Life Sentence.

In his powerful memoir, former police officer Simon Gillard details his life in the force with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and how easily one man’s life can spiral so out of control. He is now working to create awareness about mental illness, and wrote Life Sentence to help other sufferers. Here are just a handful of Gillard’s suggestions to help navigate the darkest of times.

1. Early intervention
The earlier you get help the more chance you have of recovery. Putting your hand up and reaching out to seek help as early as possible is far braver than hiding your feelings.

2. Survivor
I love the word ‘survivor’. My daily mantra is: ‘I am strong, I am alive, I am a warrior. Most importantly, I’m a survivor! Nothing can defeat a survivor, not even my own mind.’

3. Naysayers

The disbelievers will always be there. Don’t let anyone stop you achieving your dreams or being yourself.

4. Accept
I have PTSD. I have depression. I have anxiety. I accept that. And so what? I’m human.

5. Small steps = big change
The big picture makes normal chores like housework, exercise and everything else seem insurmountable. Break it down into achievable bite sizes.

6. Mindfulness / Breathe

Mindfulness is about being in the present, and the power of controlled breathing is the best drug, and grounding technique, you will ever have. Your mind feels clearer, your body feels relaxed and your tense muscles loosen.

7. Be nicer to yourself
Don’t beat yourself up; take one day at a time.

8. Get fit

Healthy body, healthy mind. Get moving! Eat healthily.

9. Educate yourself – knowledge is power

I researched PTSD, depression and anxiety extensively. The more you educate yourself, the more you listen to your therapists and put their advice into practice, the more you can acknowledge and learn what is going on with you.

10. New beginnings come from the end of another beginning

I am on my way – I won’t stop! I am not cured and don’t profess to be, but I’ll give it my all.

 

 

If you ever need to talk, beyondblue offer a Support Service by phone (1300 22 4636) or online at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Feature Title

Life Sentence
How a dream job became a nightmare
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Half Truth book club questions

A moving drama about family, loss and belonging to read with your book club.

Article
Everything you need to know about Penguin Noir 2025

Penguin Noir is back in 2025 with four events across Australia. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Article
The Spice is the Plot colouring pages

Get your free sample colouring pages from The Spice is the Plot.

Article
14 books to give instead of a card at baby showers

Going to a baby shower and want to give something more special than a card? Choose one of these books and write your heartfelt message inside!

Article
DK Catalogue 2025

Knowledge is adventure.

Article
Congratulations to the Penguin authors who made the Indie Book Awards Shortlist 2025

The Indie Book Awards Shortlist 2025 has been announced, and Penguin Random House Australia has four books on the list!

Article
A letter to readers from the author of The Favourites

Layne Fargo shares how she ended up writing a book that combines the spectacle of elite figure skating with the tempestuous romance of Wuthering Heights.

Article
Stephanie Alexander's reflection on her iconic cookbook The Cook's Companion

The Cook's Companion has established itself as the kitchen 'bible' in over half a million homes since it was first published.

Article
Dr Nick Fuller's healthy eating tips for the Christmas holidays

Leading obesity and health expert, Dr Nick Fuller, shares his tips on getting the whole family healthy this festive period.

Article
Some of the most anticipated books of 2025

Time to update your TBR for 2025.

Article
The top 10 Bluey books as chosen by readers

​This year we celebrated the five-year anniversary of the publication of the very first Bluey book, The Beach, and over 8 million Bluey books sold in total!

Article
QUIZ: Which Murakami book should you start with?

Never read Murakami and wondering where to begin? Take this fun quiz to figure out which book you should read first.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles
penguin pop image
penguin pop image