Update from Rod Bain, that is given with the permission of Ken O’Brien

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a commonly used term in mental health with a significant amount of research being conducted on its effects. However little is understood about the secondary symptoms of PTSD on  individuals and their families and communities. This article claims that it is these secondary symptoms that are the critical core factors derived from interactions between the primary symptoms and social contexts that generate the problematic we label as PTSD. The family is frequently the environment in which this problematic is both intergenerationally transmitted, and normalised. This paper presents an argument for the inclusion of secondary symptomsin diagnosis, management and treatment of PTSD in family contexts that have intergenerational consequences. It is not intended to provide any answers to this conundrum of quandaries. Rather, this paper intends to ignite conversation and question.

PDF Link: Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States

PDF: Mental Health of the Australian Defence Force – 2010 ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study Report

Measuring the ratio of someone's waist to their height is a better way of  predicting their life expectancy than body mass index (BMI), the method widely  used by doctors when judging overall health and risk of disease, researchers  said.

BMI is calculated as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of  their height in metres, but a study found that the simpler measurement of  waistline against height produced a more accurate prediction of lifespan.

With post traumatic stress disorder now thought to be more deadly for veterans than the war they served in, a leading trauma psychiatrist says Veterans Affairs' bureaucracy is making the situation worse.

Response Part 1
Response Part 2

4 November 2012 

The Hon W Snowdon MP,

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs

Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Minister,

I am writing to bring attention and focus to an issue which I believe should be considered, debated and developed as a component of the ANZAS Centenary commemorations program.  

CLICK ON THE LINK -> Research from Dr. Rod Bain - Veteran Mental Health Strategy

Some stress can be a good thing. It's your body's way of preparing for a challenge, such as giving a presentation. But a steady stream of stress can be bad for your health. Studies show it can even weaken your immune system -- your body's system for fighting off disease and illness. Reduce your stress by avoiding whatever stressors you can. Take the time to relax and do things you enjoy.