OPINION: Too many veterans lose battle with the black dog

MY HEART has broken at least three times in the past week.

MY HEART has broken at least three times in the past week.

Not because of things happening in my life.

But because of the news of three Australian veterans taking their own lives and losing the battle with the black dog.

As a result of these deaths, one serving member on 12 months medical leave reached out via Facebook and talked about his battles after serving in Afghanistan.

If you read the post, you couldn't help but cry about the battles this man faces with the debilitating mental health issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

They have isolated themselves from family and friends out of guilt and shame of what PTSD does to the mind and body.

Of spending days living in a regressive state, as a coping mechanism. Of avoiding people.

It went on.

Only recently, I heard about how local defence force members had reached out for professional help but only had one or two appointments made available to them.

With the federal election just around the corner, I'm calling on all candidates, from major political parties to independents, to put their hands up to fight for more funds and for more services to be made available for our service men and women in regional areas.

These people have already put their lives on the line fighting for our right to live the way we do in a democratic society. It is only fair we help them with their fight against the black dog when they return to civilian life.

If you help need with depression, anxiety or PTSD please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

NATIONAL 24/7 CRISIS SERVICES

1. Lifeline: 13 11 14
2. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
3. MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
4. beyondblue: 1300 22 46 36
5. Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Originally published as OPINION: Too many veterans lose battle with the black dog