Townsville veteran’s battle with PTSD leads to Invictus games

A Townsville veteran who grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder and was medically discharged has carved out a new path after signing on to represent Australia in the Invictus games.

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Sue Osborn attempts to tackle Torben Louwen-Skovdam during a wheelchair basketball training session held at the Australian Institute of Sport, in Canberra.

A Townsville veteran who grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder and was medically discharged has carved out a new path after signing on to represent Australia in the Invictus games.

Torben Louwen-Skovdam’s physically active childhood in Victoria set him on the path towards life as a soldier, and he enlisted in the services in 2008.

During his distinguished, 16-year career he excelled and was rewarded with several operational postings, but unfortunately, under the surface was lurking an enemy that was harder to fight.

Undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder led him into a mental health crisis in 2022, and after grappling with suicidal ideation and periods of depression, as well as severe anxiety attacks and other impacts, he was eventually medically discharged in 2024.

“I grew up playing team sports – cricket, AFL, basketball – and I continued to play cricket and AFL throughout most of my military career,” Mr Louwen-Skovdam said.

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Sue Osborn attempts to tackle Torben Louwen-Skovdam during a wheelchair basketball training session held at the Australian Institute of Sport, in Canberra.

“After my deployment to Sudan, I found myself withdrawing from my AFL club in Darwin. I’d rock up, play the game and then I’d be straight out of there.

“I just wanted to be by myself and in my own head, so, I took up distance running.”

While distance running initially seemed to help, he grew increasingly more socially isolated and eventually decided to reach out for help.

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Torben Louwen-Skovdam.

“I’d convinced myself that it was a really great thing to have that (running) release for my mental health but, in the background, a lot of things were building up and up and up … and then things just imploded,” Mr Louwen-Skovdam said.

“I reached out for some initial help through Open Arms and, I guess, that’s where my recovery journey began.

“Learning that Invictus is about helping people with their recovery journey through sport was extremely appealing and the more I read stories of previous participants and the value they got from the experience, the more I realised how much I really, really wanted to do this.”

Signing on for Invictus also pushed him out of his comfort zone, with no marathons or running events scheduled for the Canadian Invictus program.

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Torben Louwen-Skovdam.

Instead, he’ll be tackling wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, swimming and biathlon.
“I needed the short-term fitness goal to support my physical rehabilitation, but also needed the purpose as I adjust to life outside Defence,” Mr Louwen-Skovdam said.

“What I’m particularly enjoying about the Invictus experience so far is being part of that team environment I grew up with. It’s really awesome having that connection with people again; feeling you’re part of a group, part of something bigger.

“What I can’t wait for, is that point when we all get home and we’re just sitting back as a family and reflecting together on not only how far I’ve come in terms of my recovery, but how as a family we’ve moved forward, reconnecting and supporting one another again.

“My family has played a critical role in my recovery. Without them, I might not be here now.”

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler will be held between February 8 and February 16.

Originally published as Townsville veteran’s battle with PTSD leads to Invictus games