Former soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder helps other Diggers conquer the Kokoda Track

A former soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder is taking a group of soldiers to Kokoda in a bid to defeat the demons that returned from war with them

stuart

A FORMER soldier diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is helping fellow Diggers defeat their demons of war by walking the Kokoda Trail.

Dane Christison, who wound up with post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction after serving in Iraq and East Timor, plans to guide a group of soldiers and veterans battling similar issues on the Kokoda Trail in August.

Mr Christison, from Aspley in Brisbane’s north, went into a “very dark place” after returning from Iraq in 2005 where he worked as a forward scout on the front line. After years of mood swings and irrational, often violent behaviour, he was finally officially diagnosed with PTSD in 2009. Having found physical exercise and goal-setting had improved his own mental and emotional well-being, he set up in 2011 a health and fitness program to help fellow veterans.

Mr Christison has been nominated for a Care and Compassion Medal in News Queensland’s Pride of Australia medal for his work.

Many veterans diagnosed with mental illnesses after returning from war zones traumatised or simply struggling to adjust from military to civilian life have too often overlooked a more holistic approach to managing their illness, he said.

“Basically I worked on small, achievable goals both physically and mentally each day for years until one day it led to what I saw as a massive achievement,” Mr Christison explained. “I had control of my life again and so I worked out how not to just survive with PTSD, but thrive. It’s a permanent condition, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to suffer forever.”

Mr Christison said he believed Kokoda would be the perfect vehicle for soldiers and veterans to fight their demons, regain some self-belief and rebuild their lives.

“Kokoda represents overcoming the adversity of mental and physical struggles and is a true testament to the resilience of the Australian,” he said.

“Its history is the perfect place for a veteran who has lost self-confidence and self-esteem. Even the lead-up training has given so many broken souls a goal again and a zest for life, using small, achievable goals that finally weigh up to a massive achievement.”

Mr Christison said his group of 10 soldiers and veterans had a range of health issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse. While Brisbane-based fitness training institution Onfit Training College had helped with sponsorship of the trip, Mr Christison was still seeking sponsorship to get all 10 of the soldiers on the expedition. For info go to inandoutfitness.com.au

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