A thought for our diggers

[Kazzl]

On this ANZAC Day, let's spare a thought and extend a compassionate hand to our defence people, especially those who have returned from active service only to fight a war in their own minds.

Reports (source-ABC news) are that there has been a four-fold increase in PTSD cases since Australian troops first went to war in Afghanistan in 2001. Many are reluctant or unable to admit that they have PTSD. Many do not report their symptoms. The suicide toll amongst returned service people is now three times that of Australia's combat losses in Afghanistan.

Other figures show that around 20 per cent of returned soldiers develop mental health problems within three months of being home, and that's just the ones who have come forward. Others battle silently, developing alcohol and drug problems as they fight their mental war alone.

It is also estimated that 10 per cent of Australia's homeless population are returned service people, usually with serious mental health and substance abuse problems.

To any defence people reading this, firstly I say thank you. Thank you! And know that you are amongst friends here, people who have not and cannot begin to know what you know or see what you've seen, but people who know about fighting a mental war in ourselves. I for one would like to shake your hand, and then hold it tight through your dark hours.

On this forum you will always be welcome, supported and safe to open up and share your pain.

Kaz

[Guest_5218]

I join you Kaz in saying thankyou to our defence personnel. They have made so many personal sacrifices in the defence of their country and our ideals, as well as the pursuit of their careers and their sense of duty.

As my husband served in Vietnam and has a bunch of friends in the 'same boat', I see the results of their dedicated service on a daily basis. Its very hard for them to adjust once they leave the Forces.

However its also a daily battle for those who love them and are caring for them. So I also spare a thought for the family, loved ones and carers of our defence personnel. There is a very high personal cost to war, which extends right through the very fabric of our society. And for many, as Kaz says, the mental war continues.

Sherie xx

[geoff]

dear Kaz, what a lovely thought to enter this as a new post, because these people do suffer in silence not wanting to let anyone know of what they have been through in these such traumatic times of horror and only those who have done so will know what their demons are but believe that they can cope by themselves, but how wrong this is, because with any depression once we start to embroil our problems to just ourselves then that's when they have to understand that there are people who would dearly love to help them.
Anzac day would remind them of each and every awful situation they have had to encounter and the sorrow we feel for them is undisputed.
Please accept our sincere apologies and hope that if you need to contact us we are here for you. Geoff.

[Starwolf]

Thank you Kazz for these sad statistics.

It breaks my heart to think of all those who -after having given so much- are now reluctant to reach out and suffer alone. I think many of us here know what shutting ourselves in a private hell feels like.

We can only wish that more would come forward but unfortunately, there's little else we can do but say a quiet thank you.

[Gruffudd]

For me Anzac is about remembering the family and friends, particularly those who served as soldiers and nurses. A number of us grew up with a parent or grandparent who had been in the war. I don't think it was always easy for the families on repatriation then as now. So I think of soldiers and their loved ones. Having my own different experience of trauma, I feel like my trauma has become part of who I am and try to make the best of it. My grandfathers story is now tied in with my generation and my parents who grew up when it was still raw and untold.

I heard my grandfathers story of being a prisoner of war in small parts from about the age of five. I understand the trauma from an adult perspective; but as a child, I just had love and respect for him. I know the how the horror of it all changed him, but despite that my grandfather was funny, and generous, and able. Listening to him I didn't just learn about war, I learned about life. He left me a photograph of a man who was a best friend that never made it back, he asked that I keep it like he had all of those years. I remember them.

[Guest_9809]

Hi all, I have just been browsing and came across this thread from Anzac Day last year. I thought it was an opportune time to resurrect the thread.

Kaz, I reiterate all that you said in your opening post here. Disturbing statistics for our returned servicemen isnt it? Sherie, Geoff, Starwolf and Gruffudd, you all bring up very good points.

So to all our Service personnel - past, retired or still serving, I extend to you my greatest admiration. I am immensely grateful for your dedication and service to your country and its peoples. I know you all, in varying degrees of severity, continue to suffer the consequences of your service. I hope you are able to feel the love and gratitude of the people today especially (and all days) for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf. I salute you.

Taurus

[quirkywords]

Taurus I am glad you posted on this thread today as a tribute to service personnel past and present. I also agree with the contributions of Geoff,Sheire, Starwolf and Gruffudd.

I think it is sometimes a thankless task to serve for one's country but we appreciate the incredible effort from all service men and women from the past and present and into the future.

Both my parents , now deceased, served in World War 2 and it affected them all their lives. Especially for my dad who was a P.O.W and suffered at a time when PTSD was not recognised and he was told after the war to get on with his life.

I remember my parents' service today and all the brave diggers from the past and today.

Lest We Forget.

[Kazzl]

Thank you for raising this thread again Taurus. xx

When I posted this a year ago, I didn't personally know any veterans who were homeless, with mental illness or addiction issues. Now I do. Today I'm thinking about them and wondering if they are safe, dry and fed on this cold wet ANZAC Day. They deserve their place at a lunch and two-up game as much as anyone. Unlikely though ...

[Just Sara]

Well, I've been inspired, shed a tear and remembered thanks to you all.

Wonderful stories and tributes to those who've returned, and those who've fallen. Lest we not forget those left behind with their own pain and trials too.

Although my grandad was a huge bulk of a man, he was told to stay back to work his slaughter yard for the community. He suffered great anger towards his govt and himself and took it out on his family.

To the women/men who received 'that' unwelcome fatal letter about their loved ones; we will remember. Recent generations weren't the first single parent families in our history either. It's been the same around the world on all sides in every war! Forced to leave older children to care for littlies while Mum's worked the mills and factories compensating for the loss of men in their communities.

And to Kaz; my tears and compassion came with your first post! Thankyou...stat's might be boring to some, but when used well they can be a sea of understanding.

Just wonderful...

Sara xo