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Real Soldiers Don't Get PTSD

I was momentarily heartened on Friday when I heard that amidst the federal government's deep cuts was some trimming of the defense budget. A little balance, I thought. So far, the slashing of the civil service has fallen heavily on policy makers, statisticians and folks that run emergency oil spill offices.

My sense of relief lasted until the headline was over.

Turns out the Department of National Defence (DND) is eliminating the jobs of medical professionals involved in suicide prevention and monitoring post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). They are closing an Ottawa clinic serving these clients, and shutting DND's Deployment Mental Health Research Section, cutting specialists and epidemiologists who research and monitor PTSD rates, trauma and depression. What did I expect?

These cuts come shortly after the release of a department report on the increase of suicides in the Canadian Military, and in the midst of a military complaints hearing examining how the Forces dealt with the suicide of Afghanistan veteran Cpl. Stuart Langridge. In the U.S. since 2009 the suicide rate of veterans and soldiers exceeds the number that have died in active duty.

A press conference was thrown together and Canada's Chief of Defence Staff, General Walter Natynczyk, responded to public criticism of the cuts with praise for Minister Peter MacKay, saying the government welcomes media scrutiny of the forces' treatment of mentally damaged warriors.

According to Senator Romeo Dallaire, who is moderately critical of the cuts, Canada has one of the best records in NATO for its treatment of soldiers with PTSD. Still, he argues that it's not good enough.

Smells a bit like the arguments hurled at striking students in Quebec to stop whining because they already have the cheapest education in North America. Perhaps the government figures there's wiggle room for cuts before we look as bad as our fellow NATO members.

Natyncyzk, using a blame-the-victim argument, told a Senate committee that despite the gold standard of recruitment and all of the screening techniques available, it is impossible to identify every vulnerable soldier. This implies it's not the traumatic experiences of being in places like Afghanistan, but the weakness of the men and women themselves that is to blame.

He justifies his cuts to research staff by arguing, "Due to financial restraints, we are looking for ways and means to make our non-clinical support, our non-front line support, more efficient so we can focus our efforts where they need be -- the medical care of our military members and their families."

"Due to financial restraints." Like "due to bad weather," it implies our fiscal situation is an act of God that befell the government, not due to a set of choices they made. Interesting also that the argument is made in tandem with significant cuts to precisely the health services they claim they are trying to protect. Or maybe, even more troubling, they don't consider PTSD and related mental health disorders to be medical at all.

The military is closing an Ottawa clinic for PTSD cases with no clear plan for patients being transferred to the 6,000 member base in Petawawa which has no psychologists and just one working psychiatrist. And she devotes only a quarter of her time to treating patients.

I don't get it. Aren't these cuts a little short-sighted? Clearly the Harper government plans to stay in the business of sending Canadian soldiers into dangerous situations to defend and build democracy. Wouldn't it serve us well to be prepared not only to deal with the psychological trauma that results, but to undertake scientific and social research to identify and reduce risk factors contributing to PTSD and other mental illnesses?

It's hard to not read the situation as federal government indifference toward traumatized soldiers who are no longer active contributors, but a burden to the military. Usually celebrated by Conservatives, our soldiers are of value only while in the field. Once damaged and home they are whiners -- much easier to ignore. If provincial health budgets, or no one at all, can be left to pick up the slack, why not save the money?

At the press conference Natynczyk did toss out a bone of hope to address the problem. He appealed to Canadian psychiatrists and psychologists to come help out the military and volunteer to work at more remote bases such as Petawawa, Ont., and Gagetown, N.B. Now there's a thoughtful strategy our vets can count on.

Follow Aviva Rubin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/aviva rubin

FOLLOW CANADA

via huffingtonpost.ca

CDS General Walter Natynczyk has certainly lost some friends and supporters with his recent comments regarding the mental health of our soldiers - his soldiers. If you haven't been following this story over the last week. The defense budget has been cut - in the area of mental health. The closure of a treatment clinic and research facility in Ottawa has led us to gain insight into the General's views on his soldiers well being. His argument that the CF uses screening at the time of recruitment to avoid recruiting soldiers with a vulnerability is just a ridiculous comment inferring that PTSD and other mental health issues are a fault or weakness of the individual affected. Not that they have simply been through too much to handle at a particular point in their lives and require nurturing and treatment in order to heal. He also said that the closure of the mental health clinic and research facility in Ottawa leaves money to dedicate for MEDICAL treatment of soldiers and their families. Are mental health issues not considered medical in the eyes of our government? What year is this? I usually don't agree with lazy opinion of soldiers often depicted in the Huffington Post. But this article hits the mark. For those of you who I know and who's stories I've heard of struggle for mental health support within the Canadian Forces, this has been a dark week in your fight. Stay strong, and know that there are still some of us who stand with you in solidarity.

Filed under  //  Military   PTSD   budget   government   soldier  
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ANZAC - John Le Gay Brereton - Poem - Australian Poetry Library

WITHIN my heart I hear the cry
Of loves that suffer, souls that die,
And you may have no praise from me
For warfare's vast vulgarity;
Only the flag of love, unfurled
For peace above a weeping world,
I follow, though the fiery breath
Of murder shrivel me in death.
Yet here I stand and bow my head
To those whom other banners led,
Because within their hearts the clang
Of Freedom's summoning trumpets rang,
Because they welcomed grisly pain
And laughed at prudence, mocked at gain,
With noble hope and courage high,
And taught our manhood how to die.
Praise, praise and love be theirs who came
From that red hell of stench and flame,
Staggering, bloody, sick, but still
Strong with indomitable will,
Happy because, in gloomiest night,
Their own hearts drummed them to the fight.

via poetrylibrary.edu.au

This is the first ANZAC Day in a while that I won't be attending a dawn service. Since moving to Canada, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what being Australian means to me. Obviously, we don't all fit into a mold of a stereotypical Australian, but I do believe that our culture does reflect some unique qualities that perhaps are not present in the same amounts in other cultures around the world.

In my research for this post, I came across many high school articles written by students in Australian history class on Gallipoli, the diggers, mateship, larrikinism and the creation of a national identity - forged almost 100 years ago through the sacrifice of so many. The doctrine approach, the diggers fought and died so we could be free. They fought in impossible odds, and their spirit, humour, and helping each other no matter what became the stuff of great Aussie legends. That's what we remember on ANZAC Day. Whether we had relatives who fought that war or not. (My family didn't immigrate to Australia till the 1920's, so they didn't fight for Australia or the British Empire during WW1)

I also came across a bunch of feminist theory contradicting the universal notion of the Australian male 'mateship' and leaving a female perspective out of discourse about national identity. But to be honest, growing up when I did, the concepts of mateship extended to my friendships with my ladies, as I saw in my male mates. It's all those mates and the idea that someone's always got your back that was tough to get used to not having close by. It's also the fair dinkum, honest, battler approach most Aussies have to life, that doesn't always exist elsewhere - especially in the Canadian workplace. "Jack (or Jill) is as good as his master". It's certainly a mentality I miss living with.

I know there are people who complete PHD's on this subject, so please read their books if you want an expert opinion. However, I do believe some of these qualities were evident in the convicts that started an anti-authority culture of mateship in Australia. I do also believe that the shared, national experiences of the first and second world wars solidified these qualities as 'Australian', and for better or worse, I grew up in the bosom of those consequences. I'd like to think that it was for the better. I grew up in a safe, loving, nurturing and prosperous country. It will forever be my home in my heart.

To me, taking a moment on ANZAC Day and reflecting on this, and the sacrifices our forefathers and mothers made to make Australia the country it is today, is what ANZAC Day is all about.

Lest we forget.

Filed under  //  ANZAC Day   Australia   Canada   soldier  
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The Colbert Report - April 11, 2012 Joining Forces

via thecomedynetwork.ca

Michelle Obama is Colbert's guest on the April 11th Colbert Report. The whole show is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by military families and returning veterans and what ordinary people, and businesses can do to help. Watch it in Canada, on The Comedy Network.

Filed under  //  Joining Forces   Michelle Obama    The Colbert Report   family   milspouse  
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If I Should Fall - Canadian documentary

Last weekend, I went to the Canadian Film Festival and saw If I Should Fall. A film about fallen Canadian soldier Marc Diab, his family, his army brothers and how they experience his loss.

We get an uncomfortably intimate insight through talking head interviews and home video (a lot of which was shot by Marc himself) of the life Marc had. We get to know his family and his military mates. My heart broke as his mother, in close up, bravely shares her story, and for the lost dreams of his girlfriend, who Marc was going to propose to upon his return. As an audience member, I not only mourned with them, but also acknowleged the spiritual journey they undertake as they try to make sense of their loss. I also was pleasantly surprised and largely spurred on from the support they receive from the wider Canadian community. It's the tragic story of war. The 'what if' that we all dread when our loved ones depart, but this film also manages to find the silver lining in this tragedy.

I sat in an almost empty Royal theatre watching this film. A film that has sold out theatres across Canada, leaving standing room only in Buffalo according to the Producer, Paul Cuiliton, barely has 20 people watching at the Toronto premiere. That, unfortunately, didn't really surprise me. It was certainly indicitive of the support I felt from this city when my soldier was fighting for this country. However, I've learned not to place blame. The sun was shining last week, perhaps it just wasn't the day to go sit in a dark theatre. Or maybe, this city just has so much going on, that it was missed in the sea of endless choice. What the Toronto audience missed, wasn't a depressing film. It was an uplifting experience.

It's not really a war story. We learn very little about the conditions and tasks Marc and his unit performed in Afghanstan. And although context of the Afghan mission is provided by the filmmakers, it's not the heart of the film. Marc was indeed a soldier. Someone who loved, someone who sacrificed and someone who's senses develped when he put them to the test. They way the story's told he almost predicted his death that day when they mounted their vehicles and went outside the wire. Back home, it's a story of community, a story of personal growth and a story of love. Marc was so obviously loved by his family and friends, and gave so much love in return. His family migrated from Lebanon when he was young, fleeing violence there. He loved Canada. That's why he fought for this country. His family talk of the overwhelming support of the community in Mississauga, the military and the wider Canadian public on the death of their loved one. From those who lined the Highway of Heroes, as he was repatriated, to the city of Mississauga naming the Marc Diab Memorial Park. We also learn a passion of his was to work at a Summer camp for Lebanese youth. After his death, his unit regularly sends tents and soldiers to work at the camp. A Diab family friend says in interview, "It's a good country to die for."

Toronto gets a second chance to view this film in theatres next week at the Reel World Film Festival, and if this is more an experience you'd like to have at home, you can purchase the DVD from the website. All proceeds go to charity. Paul Cuiliton is very vocal about sharing that the filmmakers did not profit from making this film. They donated their time, gear was donated and made largely from the funds available on his credit card and private donors. It's an important story of Canada's involvement in the Afghan mission and gives a perspective from the family of a fallen soldier.

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ocean dreaming - water week

Rhythmic chorale.

Breathe it's secrets.

A renewed seduction - aqua.

Ocean

Filed under  //  San Diego   haiku   love   ocean   poetry   water week  
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Kony 2012 - child soldiers, some opinions on this viral video

It's a scary marketing campaign based on assumptions and playing on the emotions of the viewer. This video, gone viral, draws attention to the very real issue of child soldiers in Africa. It would be wonderful if the world could rally around this cause and put a stop to the severity of the problem. But, this video poses some very problematic solutions to a very complex problem. In my opinion, more emphasis must be placed on the return of the child soldier and reintegration into society. There is no white picket fence and 'normal' life in the future for these kids. The issues here, spanning generations, is much bigger than this video lays claim.

Here are some thoughts on this issue, and this video from friends.

From a Canadian combat veteran Grant Lambe,

This Joseph Kony awareness thing is really starting to get underneath my skin, and I'm trying to work out why. I think I've got it, and I'll sketch it out here for you.

          I agree with the sentiment on the surface. The Lord's Resistance Army is one of the vilest organizations ever to have existed, and Kony is as close as one can get to a man-shaped biblical plague. A slow and brutal death is long overdue for him and his captains. The urge to destroy such tyranny is an understandable and, indeed, noble one. I full support it. The drive to understand evil, to expose it to ther world and let it be judged for what it is, is simply just. I do not question the moral compass of those who are helping to spread this information. Their dedication, maybe, but not their soul.

          But...

           Amid all the flashy cinematography and feel-good positivism, these Invisible Children videos are anything but vague about what they want. They want Kony captured, put on trial for war crimes and, likely, executed. The thing is, to capture a man with a private army necessitates a significant military action, and I can't help but see a lot of problems with that.

           For starters, the terrain in Central Africa is not forgiving to a modern army. Muddy roads and dense foliage combine to effectively neutralize any advantage we could get from superiour armoured capabilities. There will be neither tank support nor armoured personnel carriers to assist our infantry in the battle. At least, not for very long. The country lues too far within the continent to let us make use of any of our naval assets, which cuts out a huge part of our effective strength. And that dense jungel canopy that rolls by in such cinematic perfection on all the nature videos? That provides a hell of a counter to much of our air and artillery support; if you can't see a target, you can't hit it. This action, should it ever come to pass, would be the most simple and brutal of light infantry engagements. A straight out slog through jungle, fighting toe-to-toe with rebels who have lived in this terrain their whole lives. Body counts will be pretty significant.

            On the socio-political side of the board there are even worse problems. The people living in the countries we would operate in are not wholly united in their opposition to the LRA, nor are they very interested in cooperation between ethnic groups, nore are they even that interested in belonging to any country at all. The region is split into a multiplicity of tribes that have spent most of the post-colonial period slaughtering and terrorizing each other for a variety of reasons, and under a variety of flags. There aren't any angels here to take sides with, but we'd have to pick sides, and we'd end up fighting the groups we alienate in the process. This is what happens. We'd need to negotiate air space agreements, supply lines, and permission to engage in military action on the territory of the surrounding sovereign nations. We would need cooperation and tit-for-tat negotiation with brutal, repressive regimes just to get anything done. We would need to support horrible people in order to take the fight to other horrible people. That is how things like this have to work.

              As an example, lets look at Uganda, the nation where Kony's band originated and still operates frequently. The current President, Yoweri Museveni, has been the country's president for the last 24 years, which will tell you something about the state of corruption within Uganda's government. The political sphere is rife with acts of intimidation, beatings and torture against political opponents. Major newspapers have advocated the murders of local homosexuals, and provided the seething public photos and information to aid in finding and attacking them. Members of the Ugandan Parliament have even recently debated officially making homosexuality punishable by execution. The Ugandan army has itself been involved in numerous horrific actions through its support in the Second Congolese War. They created and backed a rebel group called the Movement for the Liberation fo the Congo, who later gained infamy not just for the usual tactics of gang-raping the local women, but for their tendency to hunt down and FUCKING CANNIBALIZE THE LOCAL PYGMIES.

From Sharon McKay, who has written a book about child soldiers in Uganda. She pointed me in the direction of Child Soldiers Initiative. This initiative is spearheaded by Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire (Retired). If you feel inspired to act on this terrible issue, please educate yourself.

The world does have a new way to connect. Through social media, information is accessible more easily than ever before. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that we not abuse the power we have to reach a mass audience. This is one scary video.

Filed under  //  Romeo Dallaire   child soldiers   children   social media   war  
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digital storytelling - How to be Alone

I first saw this beautiful short in 2010 when it was posted and went viral. I think it hit a sensitive note within the Milspouse community - who often find ourselves alone, or lonely, in situations we would normally have a partner by our side. I apologise if you've already seen this, it's very likely you have. 

I attended a talk this morning by the NFB talking about digital documentaries, and this great video was re-introduced to me. It's a great reminder to all of us of how to be alone, as well as a great example of what is possible within the digital realm.

Although this is a linear video and animation, it went viral through social media. I think because it taps into emotions, and it is of a style that is accessible it hit all the right notes and traversed a multitude of audiences. The filmmaker didn't monetise this on YouTube, although I found out today, if she did, she could have made over $45,000. I also found out that job opportunities from this have kept her busy and are probably worth more to her than the quick buck she could have made from the online success of this film.

The relationship between the audience and the work, is the main aspect that the digital world has changed. The ability of audience to drive the experience that they capture from the work is also worth noting, and with the amount of sharing happening online at the moment, 'digital stories' are consantly being created and contributed to by ordinary citizens.

The interactive stories being developed currently at the NFB are pushing the envelope and starting to define this genre and what this relationship could become. Stories are being developed that challenge our notions of space and time in a story, however the emotional mood and atmosphere is still what attracts an audience.

Follow the link to see some of the work that the NFB has produced in the realm of interactive filmmaking.  

http://www.nfb.ca/interactive/

 

 

Filed under  //  Documentary   NFB   andyradorfman   digital   lonliness   milspouse   smile   youtube  
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Bill C30 - educate yourself. CBC cross country check up with Rex Murphy #freeinternet

February 19, 2012Radio > Cross Country Checkup

Does the proposed law to allow police easier identification of Internet users go too far?

via cbc.ca

"You're with us, or you're with the child pornographers". Great full program from Rex Murphy last Sunday discussing Bill C30, what it means, and does it go too far? Know your rights, this will effect us all. Listen online. www.cbc.ca

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Dolphin Boy

Dolphin Boy

Sunday, January 22, 2012 8:00 PM ET on CBC News Network

Watch the promo or the full episode. video icon

  • About This Episode
  • Credits

Swimming with the dolphins takes on new meaning when “dolphin therapy” is used to treat a young man traumatized after a violent beating. After months of being detached from reality and speechless, Morad’s devoted father decides his son will try the experimental treatment. The documentary follows Morad’s progress for four years as he develops an exceptional relationship with the animals, and forms a new identity as the “dolphin boy.”

Before the beating, Morad lived a regular teenager’s life in an Arab village in the north of Israel. He was socially popular, loved by his family, an athlete, and the best student in class. Then one night in 2006, he is kidnapped and brutally beaten by friends who mistakenly think he’s involved in a relationship with their under-aged cousin and violated their family’s honor.

Morad recovers physically from his wounds within days. However, he doesn’t speak or respond to anything for weeks and is on the verge of being hospitalized in a mental institution. His father consults one of Israel's leading experts for post-traumatic stress, Psychiatrist Dr. Ilan Kutz, who suggests taking Morad 500 km away to Israel's southern city – Eilat, for an alternative treatment with dolphins.

Morad's devoted father leaves his wife and 5 other children, sells his farm and land to finance the treatment, and accompanies Morad to Eilat, not knowing if or when they will return.

The documentary follows Morad as he begins the treatment, and captures the exceptional bond he develops with the dolphins almost instantly, communicating with them without words. After 3 months of silence, Morad starts to speak again, but he’s erased his past and refuses to go home or visit with his mother. During the following months, he is finally able to remember and even speak about the incident itself. Yet, he chooses to build his new life in Eilat, living at the Dolphin Reef and even finding a girlfriend, Shani, who works there.

The documentary Dolphin Boy was filmed over the course of four years and demonstrates the devastating havoc that human violence can wreak upon the human soul, and the healing powers of both nature and of love. It was directed by Yonatan Nir and Dani Menkin, and Co- Produced with ARTE & Channel 4.

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via cbc.ca

A great documentary that follows a severely traumatised 17 year old through a maverick from of therapy. In Canada, watch the adapted version on CBC's website.

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Happy 'Straya Day - Reflections of an Expat

Coming from the land downunder, I'm consistently trying to find my feet in this northern land I now reside. Like many immigrants, with each passing day, I find myself more and more at home in my new country. I actually enjoy living with four distinct weathered seasons. Yes, the cold and snow has grown on me, although I probably agree with many Canadians when I say, I'll never get used to freezing rain. I am building a centre of friends, loved ones and colleagues here and I'm proud that I've come this far, largely on my own. I've put so much of myself and my energy into creating a home base over here. Although sometimes hard to admit, it's certainly the journey I belong in right now.

Having said that, I went back to Australia for three wonderful weeks over the holidays. Largely centered in Melbourne with my family and friends, I explored the city and surrounds with my husband - as a tourist. Almost three years had passed since my last stint in my homeland and I found a lot of familiarities healing, the only way home can be. The subtle pace of change meant that I wasn't completely on top of everything, but always in my element. Yes, it was amazing to smell the lemon gum in the air, to breathe in the ocean breeze, to spend time laughing (and drinking) with old friends and family, to watch lorikeets dancing across the twilight sky and to feel the strong Aussie sun on my skin (remembering to remain sunsmart). While winter, in true Canadian fashion, politely knocked on the door here in Toronto, I was enjoying the things I was most nostalgic for.

Dsc02210

I'm one of many Australians who travelled to far off lands (yes, Australia is far from many places), I'm one of many who've chosen to settle for the time being in one of those countries. It's truly part of Australian culture to go with life and follow the journey it takes you on. Having been back there recently, I've reinvigorated myself with some of the more discerning parts of my upbringing.

- Find the hilarity in life. In my youth I learned to laugh. I think I had forgotten how easy it is to find a strange or uncomfortable situation funny. Even when tragedy strikes, there's always an ironic lesson that you can't help but laugh out loud at. In all their wisdom my mob re-taught me this over the last few weeks. Thank you!!

- Eat, Drink, and then eat and drink some more. There is nothing more important than sharing a morning coffee, an afternoon beer, a long barbecue, or a few g&t's with those you love. Being on holidays allowed us to do this everyday. I remember I even used to do that most days even when I was both working full time and a student - I always found the time for a long boozy 'working' lunch a thermos of tea in the park with a mate, or a glass of wine with my family meal. I say again, that there's nothing more important than taking this time. In Toronto the fast pace of life doesn't often allow for this. I'm looking forward taking the time to share this my new rationale with friends and family here.

- Your people remain your home, no matter what distance lies between. It had been a long time since I'd seen most of my family and friends. The ease and comfort with them after our reunion was just that. Easy and comfortable. This is what I've missed the most since moving away, and what I relished in while I was back. It's belonging to a group of friends where you don't have to explain anything and you're accepted. It's the love of an extended family where each day in the lifelong journey together is a celebration. Even after so long, it felt like old times. It felt right. In some regards, it felt like I hadn't even left. I hadn't forgotten what it felt like to be a part of those communities, but I do admit I was worried about what time apart had done to those relationships. If the changes over the last few years in all our lives didn't change that feeling, I know that it will always remain.

Although three weeks went by so fast I learned that even while I build a life over here, I don't need to say goodbye to my life over there. I truly am from the lucky country.

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