LIFE A TIME BOMB FOR OUR VETS
KANE Hall survived driving over an improvised explosive device during his deployment in Afghanistan — but the real nightmare began when he returned home.
The IED incident, along with the loss of four mates, led to his discharge in 2012 after nearly five years of service.
“I discharged into a civilian job at a welding factory, but that was short lived as I had a big meltdown,’’ he said.
“Shortly after that I was diagnosed with PTSD. It then took me a few years to stabilise myself and develop some tools to help me improve my mental health. “I am still on that journey.’’ The Australian Defence Force has more than 89,000 service members and about 6000 leave each year, often with post-traumatic stress disorder alongside depression and addiction.
More than 500 veterans have died by suicide — far outnumbering our soldiers
who have been lost on the field of battle.
However, veterans are hopeful the suicides will reduce with the opening of a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre on the south coast of NSW on Monday.
The Nowra facility is one of six sites across Australia to get a slice of a $30m program announced before the 2019 election, and the only one located in NSW. It will connect veterans and their families with the help they need, whether their injuries are physical, emotional, mental or just struggling to readjust to civilian life.
Mr Hall, who is also the Veteran Support Coordinator for RSL LifeCare, said he knows how important it will be to have a “one-stop-shop” service directory for veterans.
“There are many great services out there for veterans to access, but they are fractured and can be difficult to find,’’ Mr Hall said.
“Especially when you are struggling. That is where we come in.”