Poppylillac Gough grew up in a household where her father’s work as a police officer brought constant stress and trauma. As a young girl, she witnessed the emotional toll it took on her father, who was often called out to horrific accidents and faced life-threatening situations. It wasn’t until she spoke to her school counselor that she realized the extent to which her father’s job was affecting her.
Gough recalls the constant phone calls in the middle of the night, the long stretches without days off, and the missed family events that were a regular occurrence in their lives. She describes the feeling of dread that would sink in whenever the phone rang, knowing that it likely meant another tragedy had occurred. Despite the love and admiration she had for her father, Gough couldn’t shake the sadness and anxiety that stemmed from his job.
After graduating high school, Gough struggled to cope with the cumulative effects of her father’s trauma. She developed depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. However, through the support of her loved ones, she was able to overcome these challenges. Inspired by her experiences, Gough became determined to create a support system for children who are going through similar experiences.
Gough established an initiative to provide in-school support, such as group counseling, to the children of first responders. She believes that by providing a safe and understanding environment for these children to share their experiences, they can develop coping mechanisms and resilience. Gough is starting her program in Townsville schools, with the goal of expanding it to reach more children in need. She is confident that her initiative can make a significant difference in the lives of these forgotten heroes.
