Coast veteran’s ‘tremendous’ rehabilitation after 20 year mental health battle

A Coast man suffering depression and anxiety after serving in the army said a group therapy program for veterans had been “tremendous” for his rehabilitation.

Former army engineer Brett Groves and service dog Charlie attend Caloundra’s new therapy sessions designed for veterans.

A Coast veteran who has suffered from anxiety and depression for two decades said a local mental health program for ex-servicemen and women had been a "tremendous" help.

Brett Groves said returning to civilian life after serving in the Army for eight years had been challenging.

"Coming out of the military you've still got the training ingrained in you, the work ethics and expectations, where you had to jump at every command, you didn't have a choice," he said.

"Civilian life just doesn't work that way."

The 56-year-old former army engineer spent 20 years struggling with depression and anxiety.

He and his service dog Charlie have been attending a group-therapy session for veterans, which he says has helped improve his rehabilitation.

The Caloundra Private Clinic this year launched the two new programs designed for returned servicemen and women who may have mental health issues.

Approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the programs help participants identify early warning signs, stressors and other symptoms.

Brett Groves, along with therapy dog Charlie, attends the new veteran’s therapy sessions which he says have been “tremendous” for his rehabilitation.

The two program run each Wednesday.

Psychologist Jenny Melrose said veterans often had a different world view.

"And sometimes general mental health programs aren't specific enough for their needs," she said.

 

"But here, they know they're not alone and can open up with other people who understand what they've been through."

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Mr Groves said meeting with other veterans had been "really good" for him.

"You hear their stories and it might be something you've never thought about but you realise, yeah, that's my experience too and you can empathise with what they're feeling," he said.

"The group holds you accountable and it's a self check in as well, it's been tremendous for my rehabilitation."

The mood disorder program aims to help veterans communicate more effectively, problem solve, learn anger management skills, implement exposure therapy and grounding techniques and increase positive connections with family and friends.

It is held over 10 weeks and a program designed for veterans suffering from anxiety program is held over a 12 week period.

Anyone wanting to attend the veteran-specific programs can see their GP for a referral to a Caloundra Private Clinic psychiatrist and be enrolled in the course.

Fees are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information click here.

Originally published as Coast veteran’s ‘tremendous’ rehabilitation after 20 year mental health battle