Invisible Injuries - Podcast

In this episode I had the opportunity to go straight to the top and speak with Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation CEO, Miriam Dwyer, who openly share's her story, passionately talks about the importance of the Foundation's research programs, their findings and how implementing strategies based on these findings are having a positive impact for benefit of the veteran community (both serving and transitioned to civilian).

Miriam explains that in 2011 it was a "meeting of minds", her experience as a biochemist and clinical studies in the Pharmaceutical industry for cancer research that placed her in the box seat for the top job at the Foundation. She shares her view, "Mind and Body" are the sum of lots of different parts. By adopting a "Holistic" perspective, solution focused strategies can be implemented based on strong and credible research.

Mental Health Solution = research + science + input from veteran community + clinicians

Long established key partnerships with RSL QLD and Mates 4 Mates continues to be beneficial for the foundation. Calling on their large networks of serving and recently discharged veterans as candidates for their important research. Miriam gives us an overview of some of their current programs and studies, including: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life, Veteran Sleep Therapy Study, Mental Health first aid training for families and the Civilian readiness study.

Additional to the Foundations key partnerships, Miriam passes the message to other ex-service organisations (ESO's) saying "its great to see so many sharing the holistic perspective and key findings in their social media messaging and delivery of course program material....as long as the advice is given based on solid evidence and informed from a reputable source"

Rounding off our amazing chat Miriam gives us a glimpse into the Commando Welfare Trust and the amazing work they are doing for the welfare of our elite Special Forces Soldiers. "Discretion" is the word and if any of our audience are in need to please contact the trust as they have the capability and means to assist in area's where others cant.

Contact - Miriam Dwyer | CEO Gallipoli Foundation
Location - Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
C/o Greenslopes Private Hospital
Administration Building
Newdegate Street, Greenslopes QLD 4120
ESO's -  | Mates 4 Mates | Commando Welfare Trust | RSL QLD
Veteran Health research projects - Find out more / register your interest

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"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 meet Jay Trenham. Dedicating 20 years as a career soldier in RA Signals Corps, Jay has only recently medically discharged from the military (at the time of this podcast) he's been undergoing several operations for injuries sustained during his service and coming to terms with being formally diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress.

Jay candidly shares his military experiences, 2008 Middle-East deployment, difficulty reconnecting with family post deployment and how great leadership, man-management and duty of care from his superiors in a training command posting helped him navigate his way out of a very dark place and looming thoughts of suicide.

In civvy land, Jay's not even made it to morno's yet and adjusting to his new lifestyle is not without it's challenges. Still searching for his new purpose and for a vocation that tickles his fancy Jay openly admits his thoughts of feeling of vulnerable, uncertainty, working on relationships and mental health is different day to day. Taking one step at a time starting by investing in his own mental-health and self-care plan he's making more positive steps.

By sharing his story Jay hopes that our audience connects with some of the messaging which they can implement in their own self-care plan.

Contact - Jay Trenham
Location - Toowoomba, QLD
ESO's - Survive to Thrive Nation | Mates 4 Mates

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"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

Wearing multiple hats as a Life coach and Occupational therapist Leigh has helped many veterans and first responder's with their mental health rehabilitation, finding purpose and creating a work/lifestyle that meets their needs and interests.

In this episode Leigh shares key messages and common issues that are experienced by her veteran and first responder clients and the steps to take if you're seeking Occupational therapy and vocational rehablitation services.

Some of the key takeaways during our conversation were:

• Self care, Letting go, investing in self & (re)purpose
• You are in charge now...not a subordinate to orders!
• Customising your support to your needs, interests and personality
• The importance of shopping around to find a real connection and/or your people
• How to get the most out of your vocational rehab and occupational therapy
• How do I access these services?

Contact - Leigh Rorke
Location - Castaways Beach, Sunshine Coast QLD
Book - Soul Truth
Services - Life Coaching | Occupational Therapy
Vocational Services - Work Rehab

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"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

Invisible Injuries is proud to formerly announce our collaboration with Activate Body. We've formed a Standup Paddle squad to tackle (Virtual) Molokai 2 Oahu, a 26km "rites of passage" open ocean paddle on the 26th July 2020

Our mission - To create awareness for Invisible Injuries charitable cause of bettering the wellbeing and mental health of veterans, first responders and their immediate support experiencing Post Traumatic Stress.

Our goal - to fundraise $5,000 to build our "all-in-one" database resource that will serve as the headquarters for our online presence, activities & programs and ex-services organisation hub.

In this special podcast episode, founder & veteran Andy Fermo chats with Tom Molloy about: accepting his aspiring sporting career was cut short due to injury, seeking new purpose through self-development, repurposing the tools in your toolkit, the importance of meaningful social engagement through group activity and support networks. Tom also shares his message "if you try a group and they aren't your people or cup-of-tea, then go seek another and another until you find one that fits YOU"

Tom also touches on Activate Body's S.M.A.R.T (Strength Movement All-body Resistance Training) method, the squad training and preparation for our big paddle.

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Follow our stories through our socials and campaign website (coming soon)
Facebook - Invisible Injuries
Facebook - Activate Body
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Contact - Tom Molloy
Location - Level 1, 22 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach (Noosa), Queensland, Australia
Website - https://activatebody.com.au/
Phone - (07) 5641 1755
Email - [email protected]

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"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 part 2 we conclude Dave's story chatting about his journey to continued recovery, falling off the wagon and getting back up.

Life is a rollercoaster and is amplified with the management of Post Traumatic Stress. Just when everything seems okay with a balance of meds, treatment and self-care plan, Dave recounts how a suicide of a good mate and failed relationships of other veteran brothers triggers derailed the routine sending him spiralling back into the hole.

Before he faced his demons Dave sought self-imposed isolation and avoidance through his job in Meteorology taking him to remote locations such as Antarctica for 18month rotations isolating himself from loved ones, family and friends leaving them "in the cold."

Dave expresses his regret that these actions also had a flow on effect to his immediate support with his son sympathetically acquiring his own Post Traumatic Stress and a close to breakdown of his marriage, how facing his demons caused so much trauma that it effected a nerve in his eye (which for the majority of time is now closed) and experiences as an in/out patient for mental health programs.

Repairing relationships is hard work and has reaped rewards for Dave and his wife Debbie. He now admits the importance of effective communication and sharing the load with loved ones eases the management of his PTSD. You can teach an old dog new tricks and Dave is a believer of trying out new things in his self-care plan to keep things in perspective and relevant to current trends.

He's also written authored two books recounting his story.

Contact - Dave Morgan
Location - Caloundra, Sunshine Coast QLD
Book 1 - Ice Journey 2010
Book 2 - My Vietnam war - Scarred Forever 2014

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"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 weeks extended episode we meet Dave Morgan, a Vietnam veteran who share's the first part of his epic story and 50 year battle with Post Traumatic Stress

A Sunshine Coast boy from Caloundra through and through Dave's military journey started at school and joining as an army reservist. At 20 Dave was drafted for service in Vietnam but it was nothing like he'd thought it'd be once he arrived in country. In a baptism of fire Dave witnessed the first of many traumatic events with a machine gun exploding in his friends face leaving him covered in shrapnel and burns. Dave recalls his tour of duty and experiences in detail...giving the listener a glimpse of daily life of a signaller patrolman in the jungles of Vietnam. During those times Dave recalls there wasn't much talk about what the men experienced and there was an engrained culture of alcoholism to deal with the trauma in their downtime. The seed of his 50 year battle had been planted.

Upon returning home what should have been a hero's welcome was returned with a public hatred that changed Dave's love for the army and perception on life into one of anger, blame, shame and alcoholism. It all became too much for Dave and he just wanted the pain to go away, deciding he'd go for a last hurrah by booking a one way ticket to Montreal with a plan of suiciding by freezing to death, in the cold, alone and away from home.

Through serveral acts of kindness along the way Dave was given a decision point, to suicide or deal with life...he chose life but at a large cost of his continued battle with PTSD, self induced isolation, withdrawal from family and loved ones.

In part 2 we conclude Daves story with his journey to continued recovery, falling off the wagon and getting back up. He's also written authored two books recounting his story.

Contact - Dave Morgan
Location - Caloundra, Sunshine Coast QLD
Book 1 - Ice Journey 2010
Book 2 - My Vietnam war - Scarred Forever 2014

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 weeks episode we meet Freya Simmonds, an Exercise Physiologist based in Noosa, Sunshine Coast QLD.

Freya's lived experience coming from a military family is a big asset when it comes to being able to communicate in the language of veterans, first responders and their immediate support. Her no BS approach quickly builds rapport, ascertains the needs, how best to engage in a meaningful way that benefits her clients in a energetic, fun and social way.

For some veterans it can be difficult to take the first steps getting off the couch, it can also be daunting going to a gym for many people let alone veterans and first responders who may have been socially isolated for some time. Her approach and services is also open to the immediate support / carer of of the veteran...building a meaningful relationship and easing them into a program that is customised and achievable for her clients.

Freya shares some strategies to make the whole process of how to access Exercise Physiology services as part of your self-care plan. Going above and beyond she also gives some tips on how to best setup a communication / reporting and referral plan with your GP and DVA so it makes it easier for you to get started and continue your training.

For our audience I am proud to announce that Freya is also a contributor to Invisible Injuries through the workout of the day (WOD). It provides our audience with value and benefit through an achievable workout that can be done at home with minimal equipment. 

If you've not checked the workouts yet...head over to our Instagram or Facebook page and click the follow, like buttons.

Contact - Freya Simmonds
Location - Noosa, Sunshine Coast QLD
Mobile - 0422 674 778
Email - [email protected]
WOD INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/invisible_injuries/
WOD FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/invisibleinjuriesaustralia/

"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 the finale of this remarkable two part series we revisit John and Naomi Enchong and listen to John share his battle and struggles with PTSD post military, how alcoholism, smoking and prescription substance abuse was another form of self-harm. How Naomi made the decision to change her support methods to be proactive and not participative, steering a course to their present day roles, filled with purpose and the joy of helping others.

Sleep can be very scarce when you suffer from PTSD and through the late nights this is where John discovered how to "Scroll" through social media...finding a niche and group of people, who also couldn't sleep, were experiencing similiar things and could talk his military language.

He turned this negative into a positive becoming a big contributor to serveral OVERWATCH groups on Facebook and other platforms and joining the local sub-branch at Nambour RSL and later becoming a Husband & Wife welfare team.

If at first you don't connect, try try again...with someone else. Sometimes it takes a few goes to connect and feel safe enough to reveal vulnerability and on the flipside it can be very frustrating when goodwill and kindness is taken advantage of....just like the boy who cried "wolf". In this part of the story John and Naomi talk about steps to take when all the strategies you've tried just arent being responded to and the careful measures to refer to someone else more suitable to the personality and/or qualified to deal with the task...

Volunteering is just that....volunteering and no-one should be subjected to abuse for kindess. Finally Naomi shares her outlet for dealing with stress...could you guess what it is?

Contact - John and Naomi Enchong
FB Messenger - https://www.facebook.com/john.enchong
FB Messenger - https://www.facebook.com/naomi.enchong
ESO - Nambour RSL Sub-branch
Overwatch - RAR Overwatch

"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 special 2 part series we meet John and Naomi Enchong a remarkable husband and wife team doing amazing work for veterans and their immediate support on the Sunshine Coast QLD. On the surface it seems like John and Naomi have everything squared away but it wasn't always this way.

The road to their now calm, collected demeanor and kind nature has been a tough one, and in this episode John shares his story growing up in a family of 9, how he was inspired by his dad to enlist in the ARA as an infantryman and how special it was to be trained by combat hardened Vietnam veterans at the former Jungle Warfare training center in Canungra.

Having sustained injuries as an infantryman John transferred to Medical Corps and was later deployed to Rwanda on an assistance mission as a medic. At the time, little did he know that witnessing the atrocities on the civilian population, their mandate of "Watch and report" and the feeling of helplessness would lead to Post Traumatic Stress.

Morally challenged and dealing with the injustice of it all the culture at the time was to "Buck up and carry on" with alcohism and drinking to excess was the accepted coping mechanism of choice.

Returning from operations, the elation of his repatriation with Naomi was short lived with an immediate deployment on exercise Kangaroo. In a way it could have been a blessing for her, barely recognising the manic, angry, alcoholic man he'd become who chose the comfort of sleeping on the floor.

Living like this became the new normal for a number of years as Naomi initially struggled to provide pro-active support she knew John needed. Wanting the unbearable pain to go away John attempted to take his life by suicide.....living to tell the tale and subsequent discharge from the Army, John felt like he'd robbed being discharged months shy of a 20 year military career.

Always by his side, Naomi finally found a way forward to become the pro-active immediate support she wanted to be when they met a clinician named Anita Cochrane who gave them the tools to work as a team moving forward.

Stay tuned for part 2 of their remarkable story.

Contact - John and Naomi Enchong
FB Messenger - https://www.facebook.com/john.enchong
FB Messenger - https://www.facebook.com/naomi.enchong
ESO - Nambour RSL Sub-branch
Overwatch - RAR Overwatch

"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 meet Kylie James....founder of Veterans Retreat just minutes out of Gympie on the Fraser Coast, South East Queensland. Growing up in outback South Australia Kylie was drawn to the Army by the allure of watching a helicopter-fly-by in "The Army, The Edge" advertising campaigns. 

Kylie shares her experience serving a 20 year career as a "Yardie" in RAAOC, how a posting as a Recruit Instructor allowed her to find her own style and growth in a predominantly male culture. Moving armies on deployment is a complex and difficult task, where the threat of death, exposure to direct, third-party trauma and internal base dangers constantly at the doorstep are very real (even in the rear-echelons)

PTSD can be caused by many different types of trauma. In addition to the threats on deployment, what happens domestically at home can also be a massive stressor and this along with an unresolved trauma in the first year of her career, was the trigger for PTSD whilst on operations. Luckily for her, she had a battle buddy and amazing medical staff who implemented a self-care plan that enabled her to complete the mission.

From one tour to another, Kylie barely had time to repatriate with her family before being deployed again for the Gold Coast, Commonwealth Games...a catalyst for family breakdown this was the straw that broke the camels back. Officially broken she
explains how the in-action, lack of empathy from her direct command and horrendous discharge process stripped her of "IDENTITY" further sinking her into the deep dark hole.

Immediate support has been pivotal in her continual road to recovery, the gifting of a flock of sheep and a stay at "Diggers Rest" respite location was the inspiration she needed to build a similar space of her own which has now become "Veterans Retreat". Kylie has now a new found purpose as the "Crazy Farmer Chick" for her own self-care and pays it forward with the retreat being a space available for the benefit of veterans, first-responders and their immediate support/carers.

She is an advocate for meaningful engagement, equine/animal therapy along with collaborations with other external service organisations who's goals and mission align with her own.


Contact - Kylie James
FB Messenger - @veteransretreat
ESO - https://www.facebook.com/Veterans-Retreat-2303020373149319/
Website - https://www.veteransretreat.org.au
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veteransretreat/
Invisible Injuries ESO Showcase - Veterans Retreat

"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