The Hidden Cost of Workplace Trauma: What Every Leader Needs to Know About PTSD Prevention
First responders are 10 times more likely to develop PTSD than the general population. Healthcare workers show rates of trauma-related symptoms comparable to war veterans. Yet most organizations treat mental health as an afterthought rather than a business imperative.
Professor Sandy McFarlane's groundbreaking research with over 25,000 military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers reveals a stark truth: workplace trauma is predictable, preventable, and costly when ignored—but manageable with the right strategies.
His research has influenced policy changes across multiple industries and countries, providing a roadmap for organizations serious about protecting their people's mental health.
Why 70% of Trauma Survivors Don't Develop PTSD: The Science of Human Resilience
Discover the fascinating research behind trauma resilience. Learn why most people don't develop PTSD and what factors protect mental health after traumatic experiences.
When we think about trauma, we often focus on its devastating effects. But what if I told you that most people who experience traumatic events don't develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? In fact, research shows that approximately 70% of trauma survivors demonstrate remarkable resilience, recovering naturally without developing chronic symptoms.
This surprising statistic comes from decades of groundbreaking research led by experts like Professor Sandy McFarlane, whose work following Australia's 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires fundamentally changed how we understand trauma and recovery.