Mark Thomas: Keynote speaker

On April 8, 2003, in a fleeting 0.33 seconds, the blink of an eye, my life changed forever. As a mentally healthy member of Victoria Police, I encountered a traumatic incident that left no physical scars but deeply wounded my mind. That brief glance at a deceased man triggered a cascade of psychological challenges I couldn’t and didn't foresee.

Unaware of the signs of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I spiraled into a dark world. By 2013, my struggles culminated in a nearly two-week stay in a psychiatric clinic. It was a low point, but also the beginning of my recovery.

Today, I’m a functioning person, but not the same as before, and I’ve made peace with that. You cannot “unsee” what you’ve seen or erase the psychological impact, but you can rebuild.

My journey has taught me resilience and self-awareness. Though I still grapple with low confidence, poor concentration, and memory challenges, I’m grateful for the incredible, strong, and inspiring people I’ve met along the way, a lot of them I now call my friends, who’ve gifted me invaluable life skills. 

Recovery from PTSD isn’t a quick fix, it’s a lifelong commitment. Yet, it’s given me a purpose: to inspire, educate, and lead others on their mental health journeys.

I respect those who choose silence, sharing is deeply personal but I’ve found power in my voice. As a keynote speaker, I bring my story to corporate stages or intimate settings, offering light to those in darkness and a voice to those unheard. 

My mission is simple: to shine a beacon of hope, showing others that recovery, though ongoing, is possible.

My story is far from over. With every step, I grow more equipped to guide others toward mental wellbeing. Let me share my journey with your audience, inspiring them to find strength in their own challenges.

Invite me to speak. Together, we can illuminate the path to resilience, recovery and positive mental health.

#BeWell

Mark