A Border veteran who sought help for post traumatic stress disorder is encouraging past and present members of the Defence Force to learn what services are available.
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Several community groups are holding activities until Sunday as part of Veterans’ Health Week, organised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The week covers everything from mental illness and stroke prevention to social and sporting events for Diggers.
Wodonga digger Brett Newman served with the army for 13 years but was medically discharged in 2012 due to injury.
Since then, Mr Newman said he had turned to several support networks including the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, Soldier On and Hume Veterans to help him and his family cope with his post traumatic stress.
“I was deployed to East Timor twice and to Afghanistan,” he said.
“This week is extremely important, I've had mates and heard stories of people who don't know where to turn to or are too scared to speak up about mental illness, PTSD and the stigma that is attached to it.
“They are unseen injuries, it's on the inside.
“Because people don't see it they can often judge you, particularly when you explode or have a moment, people just assume you are an angry or rude person.
“This week is all about raising awareness, especially for the new soldiers who are just coming in.”
The week kicked-off on Sunday with a family fun day held by Albury RSL and Soldier On.
Events still to come include stroke prevention awareness at Wodonga RSL from 8.45am on Wednesday followed by a movie and family barbecue at the Bandiana Arena Cinema on Saturday from 11am.
Wheel chair basketball will also be held at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre from 10am Saturday and a partners and carers day at the Wodonga RSL on Sunday.
Sunday's event will provide seminars, relaxation and beauty sessions alongside family fun and children’s activities from 9.30am.
It will be the closing ceremony for the week and defence families can register via email at wodongarsl@tpg.com.au.
Mr Newman said the activities made for great social outings for past and present servicemen and women.
“Taking the first step is the hardest thing,” he said.
“When you're in the defence force you a trained to be in a fight or flight mode, but when you exit you're still in that mind frame and it can be a struggle.
“The week is also good for networking to meet people in a similar position.
“I've ran into people who I had served with who I didn't even know lived in the area.”
To find out more about events visit www.dva.gov.au.
