Don’t Make Decisions About Me Without Me!
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Monday, March 4, 2024 |
| 10:55 AM - 11:15 AM |
| Ballroom 2 |
Overview
Matthew Lamberth, Officer B Speaks
Speaker
Matthew Lamberth BM
Police Officer
Officer B Speaks
Don’t Make Decisions About Me Without Me!
Abstract
“To close your eyes will not ease another’s pain.” – Chinese Proverb
In 2014 I was stabbed five times, in a terrorist attack that almost killed me, but it was what came next that almost took my life a second time – PTSD and trying to remain at work. Once the visible scars had healed, people think everything is ok. It's not.
Return to work is hard. You’re supposed to trust processes and procedures that are written in black and white, written for everyone, but you. Your life has already been turned upside by trauma and work should be somewhat of a normality, something to focus on and that allows you to move on with your life. Return to work should be the starting line, not the end point.
PTSD has made me anxious, reduced my confidence, my ability to make decisions, and my memory. My professional advancement is stymied and destined for a never-ending downward spiral. I have returned to work on several occasions, rarely with any improvement nor science behind my return.
I am not alone, and true leadership, organisational adaptability and integrity is what is needed.
A successful return to work process would expose the individual to a range of different roles and functions in well supported placements, providing an opportunity to find the best fit for their mental health and to thrive in their career again. Programs tailored to the individual and flexible to adapt to changes in mental health or workplace triggers with appropriate structured support, mentoring and check ins would greatly benefit the individual and their mental health.
Successful return to work programs are difficult, however including the individual, and people with lived experience, in developing these programs will lead to a greater chance of creating something positive for the individual and the organisation.
In 2014 I was stabbed five times, in a terrorist attack that almost killed me, but it was what came next that almost took my life a second time – PTSD and trying to remain at work. Once the visible scars had healed, people think everything is ok. It's not.
Return to work is hard. You’re supposed to trust processes and procedures that are written in black and white, written for everyone, but you. Your life has already been turned upside by trauma and work should be somewhat of a normality, something to focus on and that allows you to move on with your life. Return to work should be the starting line, not the end point.
PTSD has made me anxious, reduced my confidence, my ability to make decisions, and my memory. My professional advancement is stymied and destined for a never-ending downward spiral. I have returned to work on several occasions, rarely with any improvement nor science behind my return.
I am not alone, and true leadership, organisational adaptability and integrity is what is needed.
A successful return to work process would expose the individual to a range of different roles and functions in well supported placements, providing an opportunity to find the best fit for their mental health and to thrive in their career again. Programs tailored to the individual and flexible to adapt to changes in mental health or workplace triggers with appropriate structured support, mentoring and check ins would greatly benefit the individual and their mental health.
Successful return to work programs are difficult, however including the individual, and people with lived experience, in developing these programs will lead to a greater chance of creating something positive for the individual and the organisation.
Biography
Matthew is a 27 year police veteran and a survivor of a terrorist attack. He sustained life threatening physical injuries as a direct result of the attack, but years later almost succumbed to his mental injuries. He has fought back and now uses his lived experience to raise awareness of mental health and the impacts of PTSD. Matthew's experience with PTSD has seen him take significant periods of time off work, and only to come back to work unfulfilled, lost and ignored, an issue he spoke of recently at the United Nations Global Congress for Victims of Terrorism.
