Mike Baird Opens Up About PTSD Struggle After Lindt Café Siege

Mike Baird Opens Up About PTSD Struggle After Lindt Café Siege

Mike Baird, the former NSW Premier, has opened up about his mental health struggles just before the 10-year anniversary of the Lindt Café siege.

Former NSW Premier Mike Baird has shared that he struggled with post-traumatic stress following the Sydney Lindt Café siege, as survivors reflect on the attack ahead of its 10th anniversary.

On December 15, 2014, a lone gunman, Man Haron Monis, took 18 hostages at the Martin Place café, leading to a 16-hour standoff with police. Hostages Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson tragically lost their lives, the former shot by Monis and the latter killed by a ricocheted police bullet during the rescue operation. Monis was also killed in the raid.

Nearly a decade later, Baird, who was Premier at the time and played a key role in coordinating the response, revealed that he had suffered from post-traumatic stress in the aftermath of the siege, one of the country's most harrowing tragedies.

In an interview with Nine's 60 Minutes on Sunday, Mike Baird spoke about the deep grief felt by everyone involved in the Lindt Café siege, saying, "Everyone just wanted them out," but the tragedy left lasting pain. He acknowledged the guilt he felt over the deaths of the two hostages but also recognized that his own mental health struggles were just a small part of the broader impact the attack had on the nation.

Baird confessed, "In my mind, I felt like I shouldn't have been affected like that. I was just there to observe and help coordinate a response."

It was his mother, a psychologist, who first noticed the signs of PTSD. Two years after leaving politics, Baird finally sought counseling to deal with the trauma.

Conclusion

Mike Baird’s decision to speak out about his PTSD after the Lindt Café siege highlights the mental health challenges that often go unnoticed, even for those who weren’t directly involved. By sharing his story, Baird aims to encourage more open discussions about mental health, particularly after traumatic events, and stress the importance of getting help when needed. As the 10-year anniversary of the siege approaches, his experience serves as a reminder of the long-lasting emotional impact such tragedies can have on both individuals and communities.

FAQS

What happened during the Lindt Café siege?

On December 15, 2014, a gunman, Man Haron Monis, took 18 people hostage at the Lindt Café in Sydney’s Martin Place. The standoff lasted 16 hours and tragically resulted in the deaths of two hostages and the gunman.

Why is Mike Baird speaking out now about his PTSD?
Baird has shared his experience with PTSD ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Lindt Café siege, hoping to raise awareness of the mental health impact such traumatic events can have, even on those who were not directly involved in the violence.

How did Mike Baird cope with his PTSD?
After his mother, a psychologist, noticed signs of his PTSD, Baird sought counseling two years later, after stepping down from politics. He has now opened up about his struggles to help others understand the long-term emotional toll of traumatic events.

What impact did the siege have on Mike Baird?
As the then-Premier of NSW, Baird coordinated the emergency response. He felt guilt over the deaths of the hostages and struggled with feelings of being deeply affected by the trauma, despite seeing himself as merely an observer during the crisis.

How did the nation react to the Lindt Café siege?
The siege had a profound effect on Australia, with many feeling grief and trauma. It remains one of the country’s most devastating terrorist attacks, and its impact is still felt by survivors, first responders, and those who were close to the events.