MICA paramedic Sean Duggan relies heavily on his family and peers for his mental health. Talk is important to Mr Duggan.
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He hopes in stepping out for the annual Walking Off the War Within on Saturday to spark more discussion on mental health among his peers, family and the wider community.
It's about leading by example, too. If (colleagues) see us dealing and talking with sensitive issues they might feel more like they can speak up.
- Sean Duggan, paramedic
"It's about leading by example, too. If (colleagues) see us dealing and talking with sensitive issues they might feel more like they can speak up," Mr Duggan said.
"It's starting conversations and that's the starting point for all mental health awareness really."
Emergency service and defence force personnel will band together with their supporters for the fourth annual Walking Off the War Within Ballarat event. They walk together to advocate and raise awareness for post-traumatic stress, depression and suicide prevention.
This is the legacy of former Ballarat fire fighter and special forces soldier Nathan Shanahan, who took his own life three years ago. Nathan made the first walk as a solo trip from Mildura to Adelaide, carrying a 28 kilogram pack to represent the weight mental struggles can place on one's shoulders.
Walking Off the War has evolved into a family carnival-like atmosphere in eight locations across the nation, starting in Ballarat. The focus is on a sharing the burden and promoting support.
Mr Duggan said it was important for all emergency services to feel support and confidence in seeking it. He said Ambulance Victoria had a good internal peer-support program and such events like Walking Off the War helped to normalise this.
Day-to-day duties can be starkly different for paramedics, like any emergency services personnel. Mr Duggan's Monday started with responding to a road accident then conducting a job interview before meeting media.
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He said mental health and strategies to maintain a sound head space were vital to ensure he was at his best for any situation. This also meant speaking up, getting help and recognising when things were tough.
Walking Off the War Within is at St Patrick's College on Saturday, from 9am. People can walk as much or as little as they like. Details: walkoffww.com.
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