From Pain to Purpose, thriving after PTSD

Who am I?

I am an everyday person who has experienced abnormal psychological events.

~ 2013 ~

I didn’t want to live. I had been diagnosed with PTSD, depression & anxiety. I felt an indescribable mental pain. I was an involuntary patient in a psych clinic. I had no self-worth. I hated me. I was devoid of happiness and joy. I was my mental health conditions.

~ 2026 ~

I like me, I don’t love me but I’m working on getting to love me again. I want to live. I work full time. I co-founded a charity. I’m involved in sport. I enjoy life. I feel joy and happiness. My conditions don’t define who I am, I co-exist with them.

Testimonials

Mark is a phenomenal speaker the way in which he was able to convey a range of extremely important messages whilst captivating the audience was something that I have not seen done in such a masterful way in a long time - Mark you’re a credit to yourself thank you for sharing your story. 

​Sam Higgins

Mark delivered an exceptional presentation at the Vicarious Trauma Workshop. The great humanity, background and challenges he faced as a highly competent Victoria Police member, were conveyed honestly and openly to an audience of senior managers, detectives and analysts.

With enormous skill and empathy, he bravely recalled his own journey, affording those present with the insight, triggers and pitfalls of vicarious trauma and the challenges we face as police every day. In a brilliant, raw and brutally honest assessment into his own mental illness did he connect his vulnerability to everyone present. An exceptional presentation by an exceptional human being.

​Senior Sergeant Marty O'Donoghue

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Whilst in hospital, I felt intensely alone. Although a part of my brain registered that I wasn't physically alone, the mental injury that I had sustained would not allow that clear thought to take root, and the feeling of loneliness soared.

​During the gradual recovery from his acute phase, I spent much time thinking about my stay in the hospital and the impact that debilitating sense of loneliness had on my wellbeing.

​I set myself the goal of creating a PTSD support group that would show to others in the same situation that they are not alone. 

Once I completed my return-to-work program and resumed full time work in June 2015, I created the support group. From the small humble beginnings of a Facebook group with 30 members, Code 9 has now expanded to a membership of over 3,200 professional first responders.

In April 2018, we registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission as a health promotion charity. 

Please head to www.code9ptsd.org.au for further information.