Today, 18 August, is Vietnam Veteran’s Day and the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Almost 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1972. This included more than 15,000 conscripts. A total 521 were killed and more 3,000 were wounded.
A study of Vietnam veterans’ health a few years ago showed 30–45% of veterans reported suffering mental disorders. Mental health issues were 5 to 10 times higher than in the rest of the Australian population, and the rate of depression was increasing as veterans aged. Almost 17,500 – nearly 30% of those who experienced active service – have officially been diagnosed with PTSD.
To the Vietnam vets in our beyondblue community, I hold out my hand to you. I know your motto is ‘honour the dead
but fight like hell for the living’. We are in this particular fight together, and you are welcome, safe and valued here.
Kaz
