Siobhan's Journey: Navigating Severe Anxiety and PTSD Across Life Stages
Tracks
Springbrook Room - In Person Only
| Wednesday, March 20, 2024 |
| 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM |
Overview
Siobhan Wilson, Our Pixie Friends Pty Ltd
Speaker
Miss Siobhan Wilson
Owner/founder
Our Pixie Friends Pty Ltd
Siobhan's Journey: Navigating Severe Anxiety and PTSD Across Life Stages
Abstract
This presentation delves into the life of 14-year-old Siobhan, from her birth to adolescence, illustrating the profound impact of traumatic experiences on her behaviours, mental health, and overall well-being. Siobhan's story unfolds in distinct life stages: 1 - 2, 2 - 5, 5 -10, and 10 -15 years, each marked by unique challenges and resilience.
Siobhan's story provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the intricate interplay between complex medical and social trauma and its effects on the sympathetic nervous system. Throughout the years, Siobhan received support from a multitude of medical professionals including psychiatrists, neonatologists, paediatricians, urologists, gastroenterologists, allergists, endocrinologists, dermatologists, pain specialists and general practitioners. Additionally, a network of allied health professionals worked to support her: psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. At times, these professionals worked with the school, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary teams to address complex needs.
Siobhan's narrative reveals a myriad of strategies employed by these healthcare and education providers to enhance her quality of life. In this presentation, she offers an invaluable first-hand perspective on the efficacy of these interventions, highlighting which were most beneficial and which fell short in meeting her unique needs.
By examining her experiences, we can better comprehend the profound impact of trauma on child development, offering critical insights for professionals working with children facing similar challenges.
This presentation serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of dedicated healthcare professionals. Siobhan's journey underscores the need for an holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of individuals navigating traumatic life experiences. The lessons gleaned from Siobhan's story promise to deepen our understanding of trauma's far-reaching effects and inform strategies for more effective support and intervention in paediatric and adolescent care.
Siobhan's story provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the intricate interplay between complex medical and social trauma and its effects on the sympathetic nervous system. Throughout the years, Siobhan received support from a multitude of medical professionals including psychiatrists, neonatologists, paediatricians, urologists, gastroenterologists, allergists, endocrinologists, dermatologists, pain specialists and general practitioners. Additionally, a network of allied health professionals worked to support her: psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. At times, these professionals worked with the school, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary teams to address complex needs.
Siobhan's narrative reveals a myriad of strategies employed by these healthcare and education providers to enhance her quality of life. In this presentation, she offers an invaluable first-hand perspective on the efficacy of these interventions, highlighting which were most beneficial and which fell short in meeting her unique needs.
By examining her experiences, we can better comprehend the profound impact of trauma on child development, offering critical insights for professionals working with children facing similar challenges.
This presentation serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of dedicated healthcare professionals. Siobhan's journey underscores the need for an holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of individuals navigating traumatic life experiences. The lessons gleaned from Siobhan's story promise to deepen our understanding of trauma's far-reaching effects and inform strategies for more effective support and intervention in paediatric and adolescent care.
Biography
Siobhan Wilson is a remarkable 14-year-old. Diagnosed with GAD and PTSD at the age of 2, Siobhan's journey has been defined by courage to confront her mental and physical health challenges and determination to help others.
Through her company, Our Pixie Friends, she has touched over 3500 children, 850 teenagers and 490 adults, raised $2500 for medical research and donated over 350 gift packs to children experiencing trauma.
Not just a public speaker, author, philanthropist and young entrepreneur, she is a beacon of hope, an advocate for mental health, and a source of inspiration for all who hear her speak.
