Manifesto - Writing Challenge

Challenge 1

Calateral Damage

I am a Veteran, I served in the Australian Army for 22 years, I served in an Operational Zone for six months in East Timor in 2000. I took discharge in July 2002 and once again joined the civilian workforce, although this time it was different. Following a breakdown in 2006 I was diagnosed with PTSD and a severe depressive disorder.  Fortunately I sought help quite early and I managed to remain in the workforce until ill health forced my hand in mid 2012 although I live a reasonable lifestyle, I am unable to perform any reummuniative employment. I now live on a Veterans' Affairs Pension and am considering writing on the subject of living with PTSD.

Unseen casualties of war

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is not new. Soldiers have been suffering the effect of PTSD for a long as soldiers have fought in battle, only it didn't have a proper name then. In earlier times like in WW1 and even WW2 many soldiers were unfortunately executed for cowardice etc when they were no doubt suffering from the effects of battle, they eventually called it shell shock or battle fatigue.

Many Veterans' from more recent conflicts are suffering in silence with PTSD from their Military service. There are many Veterans' that are homeless and too many are taking their own lives. These are the forgotten soldiers from many conflicts around the world. They are the the unseen casualties of war. They are calateral damage.

I personally know of Veterans' who are suffering the effects of surviving being in a war zone. Veterans' were soldiers too and as such have witnessed and sometimes done the unspeakable, things that no one should ever be asked to witness or do. These thing cannot be easily forgotten, they cannot be unseen or undone. The minds eye can never close to the horrors of war. The Veteran can suffer a number of conditions ranging from bouts of severe depression, anger on a unprecedented level, severe anxiety, sadness, being suicidal, just to name a few. These are often wrongly treated with the old self medication  strategies of drugs, alcohol, gambling or a combination of all and some I've not mentioned also.

The problem

The problem is two fold really, one part is recognition and acceptance. Firstly that is by the Veteran themselves recognising and accepting they have a problem, which for many is hard to do, especially with the stigma attached to a mental health issues. Once that stage is complete the Veteran then must ask for the help they so desperately need and once again for some this is a hard thing to do.

Secondly the recognition and acceptance phase then must be completed by the government departments such as Veterans' Affairs. Like most government departments this can and does take too long to complete,  often leaving the Veteran with very few options, financially and emotionally, resulting in family breakdowns, homelessness and a totally unacceptable level of Veteran suicide.

The solution 

One solution to the problem would be to not send soldiers to war zones, in a perfect world that is. I see a possible solution in the administration of government departments such as DVA (Dept of Veterans' Affairs) having suitably trained ex military personnel on staff to assist in the processing of claims. I know DVA do a wonderful job, but like most government departments they are understaffed and the public servant mentality without any military knowledge, can impact badly for the Veteran.They can also at times be a little unapproachable and unrealistic into what is happening at the Veterans' end. The Defence Budget every year is massive, but does this budget take into account the cost of taking care of the Veterans' after the fact ? I think not. Whilst sending billions of dollars overseas, often with a zero return benefit. Could this not be redirected to supporting our own aging population including our Veterans'?

Summary

Our Veterans' are suffering. In summary I feel we need to look after our Veterans' better, we need to have a higher level of respect for those that put their lives in harms way for this country so that we, the population can live the lifestyle we are accustomed to. Next time you see a serviceman, servicewoman or a Veteran, thank them for their service. I know it means so much to know they are cared for and more importantly, appreciated.

Rick Canhan