‘There’s light at the END OF THE TUNNEL’
When it got tough, Tina and her army vet hubby turned to their Mates
For 14 years Tina Maher has watched her husband Craig go through the struggles of adjusting to life after the army.
Medically discharged from the service 20 years ago, Craig, 54, left the force after breaking his back. Shaken by his time serving in East Timor, Craig has been left with PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic pain – which came to a head last year when he attempted to take his own life.
“For me, it’s important we share our story,” says Tina, who lives in Kerwin, Queensland.
“I found him in the house and called an ambulance... so I’ve had a hard time, too.
“But people need to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can get through it.”
Tina, 48, turned to Mates4mates, a charity that provides physical, psychological and social support services for veterans, currentserving members and their families.
A Mates4mates regular for three years, Tina credits the tight-knit community for getting her through her darkest days.
“From day one I felt so welcomed. I’d found my people,” says Tina, who visits every day to take part in PT sessions, Pilates, yoga and access the psychology services.
“It means everything to have this safe space to turn to, otherwise I may really be struggling.”
With Craig joining her on her visits to access psychology services, Tina no longer feels like she needs to fill the role of a nurse, psychologist or a health professional to her husband.
She’s also seen a huge improvement in his moods.
“Craig has come out the other side even better,” she says. “He’s talking to me a lot more... it’s changed his outlook on life.
“I think there are a lot of people who have gone through the same thing as me. You can’t do it on your own. I’m so glad he’s taken that help.”
To find out more about Mates4mates or make a donation, visit mates4mates.org
‘You can’t do it on your own. I’m so glad he’s taken that help’
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