But Normie Rowe and Trisha Broadbridge both know what it's like to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and both were in Canberra yesterday to talk about their experiences.

Hundreds of people attended an event at King's Park for the second National PTSD Awareness Day, organised by non-profit community organisation Picking Up The Peaces.

A 1960s rock star, Rowe was hailed as the King of Pop before he had turned 20, but was drafted to Vietnam in 1969.

He didn't know it then, but his experiences during the war would have a lasting effect on his life, leading to a failed marriage and a suicide attempt eight years ago.

It was around that time that he discovered he had been suffering from PTSD.

Ms Broadbridge, who was honeymooning with her husband, AFL player Troy Broadbridge, when they were caught in the 2004 tsunami, said she still suffered the effects of a near-death experience, being widowed at 23, and the guilt she felt at surviving when her husband did not.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times