Meet Marnie Donovan, Lead Clinician – Mental Health and Programs
A new video series from Fortem Australia and Gallipoli Medical Research brings together personal stories and lived experience to help emergency service workers and their families better understand mental health and feel more confident seeking support.
‘I think my biggest concern at the time was firstly what was happening to me and what does this mean for my career?’
For former Police Sergeant Gordon, recognising that he needed mental health support brought questions he hadn’t expected to face.
His experience is one of several shared by current and former emergency service workers in a new three-part video series released by Fortem Australia during Mental Health Month, encouraging others to recognise when they might need support and feel more confident taking that first step.
Developed in collaboration with Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR), the Help-seeking series brings lived experience to the forefront, exploring the challenges, uncertainties and different pathways involved in seeking mental health support.
Because sometimes, hearing from someone who has walked a similar path can make all the difference.
The Help seeking series explores three important questions: Why is asking for help so hard? What if I don’t realise I’m struggling? And what does getting help actually look like?
Through their personal stories, participants share the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned and the people who helped them along the way, offering reassurance and encouragement to others who may be navigating similar experiences.
Recognising when support might be needed isn’t always straightforward. Current paramedic Karen reflects on how easily the early signs of mental health challenges can go unnoticed.
‘I didn’t realise I was sick… the warning signs for me were the things that I would rationalise away.’
And even when those signs become clearer, knowing where to turn can bring its own uncertainty. Marie initially found comfort in speaking with those closest to her.
‘I initially sought support from my friends and family because I felt that was a safe alternative,’ she shared.
Over time, she also connected with peer support workers and services within her agency, finding different forms of support as her needs evolved.
For firefighter Andy, reassurance came from seeing others seek help and return to health and service. Their experiences and the lessons they shared helped him better understand what his own journey towards support could look like.
Fortem Australia CEO Mick Willing APM said Andy’s experience reflected the importance of sharing personal stories and learning from those who have faced similar challenges.
‘When someone shares their experience of seeking mental health support, it can help another person recognise something in themselves, feel less alone or find the confidence to reach out,’ Mr Willing said.
‘As we mark Mental Health Month, it’s an important reminder that everyone’s journey is different, and that hearing from someone who has been through a similar experience can make taking that first step feel a little easier.
‘We’re incredibly grateful to the emergency service workers who have shared their stories so openly, in the hope that their experiences might help someone else find their own way forward.’
Developed in collaboration with GMR, the resource combines lived experience with mental health expertise to provide accessible, relatable information that encourages greater understanding of mental health and confidence in seeking support.
The series was made possible through funding from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) under Fortem’s national mental health program for emergency services workers and their families. The program supports access to free psychological and wellbeing services, alongside initiatives that strengthen mental health literacy, reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking.
Mr Willing thanked GMR for its expertise and the Australian Government, through NEMA, for its investment in the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service workers and their families.
For anyone unsure about taking that first step, Karen offers a heartfelt message of encouragement.
‘It’s okay not to be okay and you deserve the opportunity to be the best version of yourself. So, please seek help and know that you’re worth it.’
It’s a reminder that everyone’s journey is different, but no one needs to find their way to support alone.
The free video series is available to current and former emergency service workers, their families and anyone seeking to better understand mental health and help-seeking.
Watch the free three-part Help-seeking video series: https://fortemaustralia.org.au/wellbeing-resource/help-seeking/