Invisible Injuries - Podcast

In the concluding episode of her story, ex-Army medic and East Timor veteran Kate McDougal chats a  bit of horse sense.

Horses have held a special place in Kate’s heart.   She begins with needing some horse  love and intended to get one after helping Mum and Dad with renovations but this particular day the urge was great and she was drawn to the Gympie sale yard.  Stopping to pat some horses she soon found herself captivated by a pushy but quirky thoroughbred who seemed equally attracted to her in a nuisance kind of way.  The auction started and  after winning the bid, the next thought was “oh no, that’s the renovations money!”

So she went home  5 years ago with a no name, no history skinny thoroughbred she named Buster.  Intrigued,  Andy asked how that equine thing began to  develop after that.

Kate picked up her story.   Before having a total breakdown she worked with kids in care.   It was a specialised  Trauma  pilot program then  she realised “hang on” I’ve got a lot of similar things as these kids.  It made her think about her  Dad, Veterans and the things popping up for her.   

Returning to the Buster story.   Kate subsequently found out her rescue was actually well bred and had a story.   Andy agreed he was indeed quite beautiful and remarked that 5 years later she now has 3 horses. Each of the horses has a rescue story and Kate shares April  No 2 and Bomber Boy No 3 and how she came to get them.

 Andy reflected about the poor condition of each of the horses in the beginning and Kates ability to turn that around.  In doing so the horses were saving her by giving her purpose and she was sharing this with others.

 Kate’s interest in alternative medicines led her to dabble with holistic equine therapy, looking into the scientific theory of the gut being a second brain.    Andy agreed with that theory regarding humans mental health and PTSD.  Kate added that she had recently tried a similar approach on herself embarking on  experiments for her own health.

This time you are here on the veterans retreat as a team member   but did you have anxiety coming up here the first time?  Yes, Kate replied for the first woman’s retreat it was huge for her and explained why. Kate’s advice is push through discomfort because on the other side, it’s greater than where you were

They agreed yesterday they had seen first hand Kates horses at work when a fellow veteran became quite stressed from a situation.  Kate quietly bought the horses to introduce to him and he calmed down.  It’s a welcome intrusion into a different headspace.

Contact -  Kate McDougal
Website: https://www.veteransretreat.org.au/

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode we chat with ex-Army medic and East Timor veteran Kate McDougal

Kate explains the East Timor experience was the best but also the worst in her life. She  gathers a lot of comfort for being able to share moral injuries or traumas with other military and first responders working through similar challenges.  She goes on to recount really difficult tasks in  East Timor.  Morally things that clashed with the Core Medic Ethos and was horrible she states.

Trying to remain “on game” in the compound living 24/7 in her square  alters your perception she said and caused her to have a brush with alcohol and then  be fired.  The unraveling started by going AWOL before finally putting her hand up to say “I’m not ok”.  

 The lowest point was admitting to herself she was in a place that she couldn’t get out of.     She found herself waking up to the MP's and Police off base,  taken to hospital then taking drastic action get away from there by scaling a fence.   A  letter she had written earlier emerged and was taken into consideration for the circumstances.

Andy asked about Kate’s experience coming back to civilian life in 2006 and how she re evaluated her life.   Very courageous in her candid answer, Kate admitted that for 2 years there was drugs, partying most of the week, right or wrong, no judgement, that’s where she was then.  One day she was struck with the realisation that she was more than this and chose an industry to move into. There was little social media back then for support she explains.  In a terrible space in her head back then Kate discovered the Veterans Retreat and how she nearly backed up and drove away.

Kate introduced her beloved horses into the conversation telling Andy she left the army and all that behind her until  2015 when she pretty much reached her breaking point.  She had endured DVA Psychiatrists, telephone consultations rehashing her story, all which just just re-traumatised  her  and triggered unpleasant memories.   

 With a retrospective medical discharge came closure on the Army stuff but Kate faded into the background with her internal struggles. It was a dark place of isolation and suicidal thoughts especially after her first compensation knock back.   Desperate for some Equine Therapy ( just straight out horse love) Kate headed to the Gympie Sale Yards fighting with herself “to just to get there.”

Join us next episode for Kate's take on how Equine therapy has given her purpose and helped with managing her PTSD.

Contact -  Kate McDougal
Facebook - Veterans Retreat
Website: https://www.veteransretreat.org.au/

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

The difference between sympathy and Empathy 

 “So you realised you needed help with that Belfast incident” Andy asked “as did some of your mates from that  unit?”   Some had already suicided Tom comments. Motivated to try and stop this, Tom got himself  a position as  an Advocate Pension Officer at a State level of Queensland RSL in  an effort to by pass the clique of  sub-branch level.   6 days before Christmas Tom was sacked as his urgent attitude to deal with  personal welfare crisis that came across his desk didn’t sit well with his bosses.   Further more it didn’t fit their protracted welfare format.

When asked if that role helped in anyway toward healing?   Tom replied that he did intend that at the outset but the opposite happened .   I was as angry as hell he reply’s but I did learn a valuable lesson about empathy vs sympathy and explains the difference to the audience.   However he  also realised he was in the hallway of where he’d gotten out of and that he had to sort out his own shit.   Real anger and drinking followed.  The physical injuries had to sorted out as well he commented.

With regard to partners, Tom credits his wife with as much understanding as any professional and as far as he’s concerned perhaps better.   A  Veteran doesn’t always understand at the beginning that the partner is just not “coasting on the ride.”   They are in boots and all and your balance on the bad days.   

Nowadays woodworking is his interest to keep his mind challenged.   If he’s told he can’t do it… he’ll just settle down to it and do it anyway   Make mistakes?   Sure but still he will do it!   Toms done a lot of restoration work in the Disability space and he discusses that with fondness.     Loves the work and the people he says and why that is so.

 Although on a military pension he sets rules for his day and works in with his wife, who is now the breadwinner.  Ego aside he is not one to dwell on things and is happy to connect with other Vets and first responders at outside events such as the one where he met Andy.   

Tom  has branched out in more creative work including  graphic  art to mix it up so it’s not boring and mundane during his day.

Contact -  Tom Kerwin
Mindfulness Hobby - Woodworking master craftsman (Toowoomba)
 
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

The difference between sympathy and Empathy 

 “So you realised you needed help with that Belfast incident” Andy asked “as did some of your mates from that  unit?”   Some had already suicided Tom comments. Motivated to try and stop this, Tom got himself  a position as  an Advocate Pension Officer at a State level of Queensland RSL in  an effort to by pass the clique of  sub-branch level.   6 days before Christmas Tom was sacked as his urgent attitude to deal with  personal welfare crisis that came across his desk didn’t sit well with his bosses.   Further more it didn’t fit their protracted welfare format.

When asked if that role helped in anyway toward healing?   Tom replied that he did intend that at the outset but the opposite happened .   I was as angry as hell he reply’s but I did learn a valuable lesson about empathy vs sympathy and explains the difference to the audience.   However he  also realised he was in the hallway of where he’d gotten out of and that he had to sort out his own shit.   Real anger and drinking followed.  The physical injuries had to sorted out as well he commented.

With regard to partners, Tom credits his wife with as much understanding as any professional and as far as he’s concerned perhaps better.   A  Veteran doesn’t always understand at the beginning that the partner is just not “coasting on the ride.”   They are in boots and all and your balance on the bad days.   

Nowadays woodworking is his interest to keep his mind challenged.   If he’s told he can’t do it… he’ll just settle down to it and do it anyway   Make mistakes?   Sure but still he will do it!   Toms done a lot of restoration work in the Disability space and he discusses that with fondness.     Loves the work and the people he says and why that is so.

 Although on a military pension he sets rules for his day and works in with his wife, who is now the breadwinner.  Ego aside he is not one to dwell on things and is happy to connect with other Vets and first responders at outside events such as the one where he met Andy.   

Tom  has branched out in more creative work including  graphic  art to mix it up so it’s not boring and mundane during his day.

Contact -  Tom Kerwin
Mindfulness Hobby - Woodworking master craftsman (Toowoomba)
 
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Someone is not doing it tougher, if it’s tough then it’s YOU

After welcoming Rick Mann to the podcast Andy jumped straight in having met Rick previously at a Young Veterans event in Yandina at Eumundi RSL. So, gathering an update, Andy remarked that Rick has become Liaison Officer for Gympie Young Veterans Sub-branch but before exploring that further Andy wanted to talk about Ricks service experience.

Moving on to Ricks discharge experience Andy asks about the circumstances around that.  Rick explains he’d like to have stayed on with with a less physical role but with his injuries that wasn’t to be.   He feels that there were goals not achieved that he’d like to have. 

 In Ricks, civilian life as a train driver he was suffering PTSD and didn’t know what he was going to do.   Gary Stone of Veterans Care Association sought him out and asked him to East Timor.   It took 3 goes in the end to get Rick there so Andy asks about the negatives that prevented him saying yes to help.   Rick shared those personal “road block” mindsets but also shared his positive spin once he had done it.  He went on to explain how much closure it had bought to him and reflected with Andy on culture and the healing benefits of revisiting Timor

Wanting to know more about Ricks Young Veterans Liaison Officer role Rick and Andy discuss that.   On the board of the Sub-branch Rick struck up a relationship with PK at Caloundra to collaborate on suicide rates.  Stories are different but the injuries similar and end affect the same.   Trauma is Trauma and can sometimes be worse than the event.    They meet Fridays monthly and have plans for fun events such as paddle boarding.   Sub-branches are a way for younger vets to represent their demographic.   It’s time for young vets to step up and get represented in the workings of the RSL to make the changes necessary.   The Vietnam Vets are aging, some of them untreated for PTSD

As young vets emerge with PTSD post deployment.  Rick is big on “No Excuses” for your not being well and believing your alone because there is a lot out there and first place to start is your Sub-Branch.   Someone else is doing it tougher is not true.   If you’re doing it tough it’s you so think of the Sub-branch as your bridge to what you need.   Just move your ass Rick expresses and that   he should have done that the first time.

 Join groups like Young Veterans, Mates for Mates, Veterans Retreats and Team Awakening to get connected to learn about your coping abilities and develop new coping skills.   Andy wraps it up by thanking Rick for what he’s doing in the local area

Contact -  Rick Mann
Organisation - https://www.gympiersl.com.au/sub-branch/

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Continuing with Tina Joy at Gympie Veterans Retreat, Claire and Tina enjoy the rural outlook from their hill vantage point over trees, horses, donkeys and chickens on International Women’s Day.   They discuss the sight before them and being in “the now.”   

Taking time to embrace the beauty and finding the moments, the environments or circumstances to make you forget the pain.   Connecting with something that makes you feel happy and how important that is to rewire your brain away from painful memories or pain itself.     Moving north for Tina wasn’t a total pain solution  but  a way to see how her pain levels are affected in Gympie’s warmer climate.  

The bonus is to enjoy  the area and the people.  A veterans wellness retreat is planned for the Gympie Veterans site and Tina would like to be a facilitator for that.  PTSD is different for those who are going through it as no two personalities have exactly the same experience.  Then there is the matter of secondary PTSD.  A phenomenon that happens sometimes from a constant emotional load regarding a partners PTSD triggers.   

The partners in the relationship and children suffer too.   Once aware of it Tina began to respond positively to the signals by helping herself cope with a toolbox of self calming techniques.  Something as simple as a raised voice in a PTSD environment for instance may call for coping strategies to manage your own levels of anxiety, creating calm for the family.  

As a general comment beaches, oceans, lakes, rivers  all kinds of water,  they both agreed had a special affect when looking for personal balance and peace.   In the final comments Claire summarised with "For all the amazing partners out there you are not alone"

Connect with Tina on her Facebook page called simply “those who stand beside them”  for tips, tools, practical talk as well as connections to creative uplifting group pursuits.

Contact -  Tina Joy
Facebook - Those who stand beside them (Partners of veterans with PTSD)
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Shooting into the sky

As 17 year old, Tom joined in June 1981.   With Military heritage it was an easy decision from an early age being posted to 2/4th RAR, 1 Company, 1 Section, Scout (all the 1's). When asked about his heritage ties to military.  "Grandad was Lighthorse and Dad Vietnam Artillery.  In  81 he moved to Stanthorpe but went to the city to sign up along with other “Grunts” predominantly off the land in the South East."

So when you rocked up to the Battalion Andy asks what was your experience?    It  didn’t start well with no gear and a call to go to Bougainville.   Going over to the Q Store to get general issue, I was told to bugger off.  The rest of his  Battalion were sitting on a C-130.   It’s cold at 2000 feet as you know.

 Once at Bougainville Third Battalion was to drop in and secure an airfield with assistance from Section 12 Alpha.   Tom had to memorise  a bit of road going in.   Later he discovered that  he was put out in front wearing so much fire power that he could hardly walk as bait.   They were up against the a Republican Army who had  knocked off arms from the local Police Station.

 So after that deployment the military looked at Battalion levels and decided to do a foreign exchange program.  Tom went to the UK.   He soon found himself  working with a couple of  Royal Marines around the tactics of the IRA in Northern Ireland.   Tom recalls a position that he found himself in.  The enemy was just shooting into the sky with arms that felt between mortars and artillery to derail the opposition.   Tom talks about Belfast and around 40 bombings a day, things the locals had to put up with if they didn’t support the IRA.

Discharged in 93, after this was a difficult adjustment.   It became clear that he was suffering PTSD but with support from his wife, other blogs and a great deal of researching helped him pull through although he has reasons for not being on Facebook today.

 His chosen area to begin putting life together was to get onto boats but more and more physical problems narrowed his choices plus he was at sea when he was needed most at home.   One day he realised he had been out for 10 years but was just as inaccessible to his family  as the army.    His kids were growing up without him.   At home his wife saw him waking up in cold sweats, shadow fears, paranoia and Tom said he was drinking a lot at that point.   He just didn’t know what to do....

Join us for the rest of Toms story in the concluding next episode.

Contact -  Tom Kerwin
Mindfulness Hobby - Woodworking master craftsman (Toowoomba)
 
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible InjInvisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Shooting into the sky

As 17 year old, Tom joined in June 1981.   With Military heritage it was an easy decision from an early age being posted to 2/4th RAR, 1 Company, 1 Section, Scout (all the 1's). When asked about his heritage ties to military.  "Grandad was Lighthorse and Dad Vietnam Artillery.  In  81 he moved to Stanthorpe but went to the city to sign up along with other “Grunts” predominantly off the land in the South East."

So when you rocked up to the Battalion Andy asks what was your experience?    It  didn’t start well with no gear and a call to go to Bougainville.   Going over to the Q Store to get general issue, I was told to bugger off.  The rest of his  Battalion were sitting on a C-130.   It’s cold at 2000 feet as you know.

 Once at Bougainville Third Battalion was to drop in and secure an airfield with assistance from Section 12 Alpha.   Tom had to memorise  a bit of road going in.   Later he discovered that  he was put out in front wearing so much fire power that he could hardly walk as bait.   They were up against the a Republican Army who had  knocked off arms from the local Police Station.

 So after that deployment the military looked at Battalion levels and decided to do a foreign exchange program.  Tom went to the UK.   He soon found himself  working with a couple of  Royal Marines around the tactics of the IRA in Northern Ireland.   Tom recalls a position that he found himself in.  The enemy was just shooting into the sky with arms that felt between mortars and artillery to derail the opposition.   Tom talks about Belfast and around 40 bombings a day, things the locals had to put up with if they didn’t support the IRA.

Discharged in 93, after this was a difficult adjustment.   It became clear that he was suffering PTSD but with support from his wife, other blogs and a great deal of researching helped him pull through although he has reasons for not being on Facebook today.

 His chosen area to begin putting life together was to get onto boats but more and more physical problems narrowed his choices plus he was at sea when he was needed most at home.   One day he realised he had been out for 10 years but was just as inaccessible to his family  as the army.    His kids were growing up without him.   At home his wife saw him waking up in cold sweats, shadow fears, paranoia and Tom said he was drinking a lot at that point.   He just didn’t know what to do....

Join us for the rest of Toms story in the concluding next episode.

Contact -  Tom Kerwin
Mindfulness Hobby - Woodworking master craftsman (Toowoomba)
 
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible InjInvisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this weeks podcast we throwback to Veteran Reconnect in Nov 2020 a collaboration event of Ex-service organisations and providers led by Young Veterans Sunshine Coast and hosted by Caloundra RSL.

Andy and Claire (Andy’s wife) kicked off the special podcast  day with their vision for the next 12 months for Invisible Injuries.   Beginning March 2021 the family is on tour to increase  the profile, presence, connection with stakeholders, first responders and as many ex-military  as possible.    

Moving along Andy talks to a Caloundra Sub Branch Young Veterans representative on the Sunshine Coast and in partnership  to connect veterans  to resources and to support local ex-Vets in business.  

Next speaker is Jacob of  Xperiences, a team building organisation.    A place for ex- military to come with their kids, pick up a gun and gel blast each other.   Awesome fun if you haven’t tried it already!

Next speaker was Natty Nat  with Jasmine the Assistance dog. He gave a brief overview of the huge responsibility assistance dogs have in the life of a Vet, differences in canine training, certification and how dogs can connect a vet to day to day activities by simply getting them out of bed.

Up next, SMEAC Ray Carson and his account of the battle with councils and zonings to create a bricks and mortar veterans venue to fulfill a concept sorely needed.   

Kylie James drops in to tell us about her Veterans Retreat and the recent womens weekend event she organised,  funded by Veterans Health from the DVA.  Thirty five female vets with no responsibilities except to themselves and their own well-being arrived, pitched a tent and got on with getting to know one another.

Eager to support Vets in Business, Andy spies Black Flag Brewery and tries out the refreshing beverage.   Such a cracker of a day to enjoy it he commented!   He gets a bit of history to the brew.  Tae Tae,  an ex-combat engineer was instrumental in getting it off the ground.  
 
Katie Chis was up next with Supporting Veterans Naturally.  She explained quantum sensor, a fairly cutting edge device worn to one side of the chest.   A Healy does a resonance check of your body to find out what’s going on with biofeedback and can be set to different programs, chronic  pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression etc.  

Contact - Invisible Injuries
ESO's - Survive to Thrive Nation | Mates 4 Mates

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Podcast Production - 23 Media 

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Claire Fermo takes the microphone for International women’s Day to chat with Tina Joy, lifting the lid on the military experience and PTSD from the spouse view point.  As a veteran’s wife of some 33 years Tina has experienced a lot in this space and wants to create a community and support system for those who feel there is something lacking in their relationships.

With 4 children and a marriage breakdown on her plate, Tina left Melbourne to disconnect from her husbands PTSD and severe Covid lockdowns to deal with her own invisible injuries exacerbated  by a wrist reconstruction after a car accident.   Putting cold weather behind her Tina headed north with her children for the warmer weather and eventually hearing of a gorgeous Veterans Retreat in Gympie she headed there.  

By stepping off and out of the PTSD situation,  Tina was able to concentrate on her pain levels and work on her own stressed nervous system.   She talks about her children with pride, the big part they play in life’s journey and the mature outlook they display at an early age dealing with a PTSD parent.   “They develop a level of resilience and understanding she explains because they are in a circumstance that forces that outcome.   Spouses, children and families can sometimes feel invisible like the invisible injuries they deal with in their home environment due to not being able  to discuss the events of the war environment with their partners.”   

Tina has started a Facebook page for spouses of partners with PTSD.  Male or Female, military or first responders Tina felt there was a void in this space when she needed it and is determined to be there when others go looking.    A place to connect,  to gain insight, discover tools and meet new like minded friends.  Maybe even to do fun stuff that is  100% NOT  PTSD.  Most of all, to be acknowledged for the special walk they have alongside a partner  with PTSD. 

Tina went on to outline some of her personal observations during her struggles, particularly regarding her children in the family dynamic.   When studying pain and neutral pathways in the brain, Tina mentions she discovered that singing  may have a neurological link.   Tina says that it certainly seems to help her.

Contact -  Tina Joy
Facebook - Those who stand beside them (Partners of veterans with PTSD)
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show