Bear shares his Invictus Games Journey

Summary

This powerful narrative details a military veteran's struggle with PTSD and the downward spiral it caused, including the desperate act of a suicide attempt. The turning point came when he mustered the courage to seek help, which he considers his most 'manly' act. Adaptive sports became his lifeline, leading to participation in the Invictus Games. It's not just a journey of recovery but also a testament to his pride in representing his country again, this time as an athlete among peers from the Defence Force.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The individual suffered from severe PTSD, leading to a downward spiral in their life.
• 😵‍💫 The impact of PTSD felt like a constant, debilitating blow, leaving them disoriented and desperate.
• 💪 They had a military background with an injury that resulted in an amputation.
• 🏠 Reintegration into civilian life post-deployment was extremely challenging.
• 👥 Their spouse was aware of their struggles from the outset.
• 🚨 The lowest point was a suicide attempt, which was a turning point for seeking help.
• 🗣️ Asking for help was identified as a difficult but crucial step in their recovery.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Adaptive sports played a pivotal role in their recovery and gave them a sense of control over their life.
• 🏅 Participation in events like the Invictus Games opened new opportunities and experiences.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It's a way to show support staff, family, and friends the progress they've made.
• 🏆 Representing their country again, this time through sports, provides a renewed sense of pride and identity.

Q & A

What was the individual's experience with PTSD after military service?

The individual experienced a severe downward spiral due to PTSD, feeling as if they were constantly being knocked down and left lost and searching for a way to keep going.

How did the individual's military injury affect their life?

The individual suffered an injury during military service that resulted in an amputation, which made the transition back to civilian life extremely difficult.

What was the individual's wife's reaction to their changed behavior?

The individual's wife recognized that there was a problem with her husband soon after his return from deployment.

What was the individual's lowest point during their struggle with PTSD?

The individual's lowest point was when they attempted suicide, lying on the floor of their shed, realizing they needed help.

What was the individual's realization about seeking help for their condition?

The individual found it very difficult to ask for help but ultimately realized that reaching out for assistance was a crucial step in their recovery.

How did the individual view asking for help in the context of their recovery?

The individual considered asking for help as one of the most courageous acts in their life, despite the societal pressures to be self-reliant.

What role did adaptive sports play in the individual's life after their military service?

Adaptive sports became a life saviour for the individual, providing a way to regain control over their life and open up new opportunities.

How did participating in the Invictus Games impact the individual?

Participating in the Invictus Games allowed the individual to show their support staff, family, and friends how far they've come and provided them with a sense of pride in representing their country again.

What does representing one's country in the Invictus Games mean to the individual?

For the individual, representing their country in the Invictus Games is a way to continue a legacy of service, this time alongside great athletes and current and former serving members of the Defence Force.

What is the individual's message about seeking help for mental health issues?

The individual wishes they had asked for help earlier and encourages others to seek assistance, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one's mental health.