Silent toll of mental illness
One man’s tale of life with PTSD
TOOWOOMBA man Stephen Osborne made it through a traumatic head injury, but what came after cost him and his wife Wendy-Leigh dearly.
As the Stand Tall for PTS’ Invictus military convoy rolled into Toowoomba yesterday afternoon, Mr Osborne was reminded of how far he had come since his own diagnosis.
“Physical injuries heal themselves but the mental stuff, it won’t go away - it’s the silent killer,” Mr Osborne said.
After suffering a head injury in an armoured vehicle accident, Mr Osborne then had to “recover the bodies of friends killed during training missions” while working as a black hawk operator.
He was diagnosed with PTSD after being medically discharged from the army.
“I was having terrible flashbacks and nightmares that kept me up half the night,” he said.
“They were so severe that my wife herself began suffering from them.
“It was a dark time. We had lost touch with our family and friends.”
Mr Osborne said taking up archery and regaining family support brought the couple back from the brink.
“Sport really saved me, I will now be competing in the Invictus Games for archery later this month.
“I am so grateful for this convoy today - for their support of the Invictus Games and those who suffer from PTSD - it’s the support that is what really counts.”
More than 10 army vehicles formed the military convoy that made a pit stop in Queens Park.
Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio, who was there to greet the vehicles, spoke of the silent toll of mental illness.
“Your journey to Toowoomba is to raise awareness for one of the least understood and least funded of the major illnesses, PTSD,” Cr Antonio said.
“I hope your journey achieves your goal to educate and alleviate the unwarranted stigma attached to the illness.” If you or anyone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.