Mates4Mates support Tina and Craig Maher through dark times
The wife of a veteran suffering post traumatic stress disorder has shared how a Townsville support group has helped her family survive the highs and lows of life after service.
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The wife of a veteran suffering post traumatic stress disorder has shared how a Townsville support group has helped her family survive the highs and lows of life after service.
Tina’s husband Craig was medically discharged from the army 20 years ago after breaking his back and has been left with PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
Since meeting Craig 14 years ago, Tina has watched him go through the highs and lows of life after service and at times, struggled to navigate it.
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In the midst of trying to care for her husband, Tina said she often felt invisible until she found support and a place to feel safe at Mates4Mates, now referring to it as her second home.
She said when their lives plummeted to a dark place earlier this year, Mates4Mates stepped in to provide respite care and support to help them.
“Craig tried to take his own life earlier this year and I found him and after that I went into a depression,” Tina said.
“As a partner it can be hard when everyone always asks about Craig but never asks how I’m going.
“People assume I don’t need support but it’s different at Mates4Mates – they always care.”
Mates4Mates is calling on Australians to help combat the widespread mental health issues and injuries faced by veterans across Australia, by supporting this year’s National Appeal Day today.
CEO Troy Watson said challenges from COVID-19, mental health issues and isolation had placed increased importance and demand on services.
“We urgently need to deliver more targeted services to ultimately help prevent more suicides and give our veterans hope,” Mr Watson said.
“We know that our new suite of workshops will make a difference.
“Even self-reported levels of high to very high psychological distress is almost three times higher among veterans than the Australian community.”
>>To donate, visit mates4matesappeal.org
Originally published as Mates4Mates support Tina and Craig Maher through dark times