Invisible Injuries - Podcast

In the concluding episode to April's story, she touches on the difficulties for the partner at home with the reduced contacts that go with deployment.   “Any tips for listeners Andy asks from the perspective of the partner at home who hasn’t served to ease this space?”

April shares her own experience of that disconnect, phone calls few and far between and the  desperation not to miss them.   Staying connected to the familiar, in April’s case, Bens military circle kept her closer to him.  Where that’s not possible get on with fulfilling your own goals in life and don’t let your disconnect define your living she advised.  What’s her impressions of then and now partnering  when Bens away in his current role Andy asked.   The context is different, the worry is different and  transitioning out of the Army, April gives her views.  Again, knowing Bens environment both as individuals and a highly trained team,   April has squared away thoughts as a partner to a First Responder and  explains her thinking.

With a change of lens, Andy asks April (who today holds a Masters in Psychology, Batchelor of Science and a wealth of experience with diverse people in high stress jobs or suffering trauma,) as a clinical psychologist, what are some of the common techniques that come to mind?   April explains the environment of trauma that she works  with, mostly first responder as apposed to military presentations.   She defines Complex Trauma as big T and little t as Trauma.   Also in there are early trauma and repeated trauma.   So the usual presentation is the stoic “holding the cracks together.”  
Inside there may be turmoil.   Flash backs, disassociation, panic attacks, overwhelmed, overstimulated by noise, anger etc with a common theme of feeling powerless and no control.  People don’t always open at the first session and trust has to be developed.  They may fear not being able to shove emotions back in the box.   It takes courage to step up and be vulnerable.  Next  they  realise they can have tools to short circuit the triggers.  

Andy presses for common techniques and tools to help our listeners in the moment of a trigger.  April kindly gives specifics for our listens to try.   They discuss these at some length.  Calming the body, grounding tools, breathing techniques including 54321 and  478 and how to do it.  Out and about in public?   If your triggered, what you can do.   Most important takeaway TELL SOMEONE.  If “that someone” reaches out to you, how to respond.   April acknowledges people can be “shits” but are by far very responsive to distress.  

Contact -  April Kane
Website: https://greatmindstherapy.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Following "Tunnel Rat", Vietnam Veteran & author Brian Hopkins guest episode is a special series of 6 audio narrations of poems from his book "When Therapy Fails" (WTF!?  pardon the pun)

WTF 2 - The Frog
Cover art - Brian Hopkins @ Hollywood Clinic

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - info@invisibleinjuries.org.au
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Following "Tunnel Rat", Vietnam Veteran & author Brian Hopkins guest episode is a special series of 6 audio narrations of poems from his book "When Therapy Fails" (WTF!?  pardon the pun)

WTF 1 - A Silent Scream
Cover art - Brian Hopkins @ Hollywood Clinic

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - info@invisibleinjuries.org.au
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode of the podcast Andy speaks with his close friend April Kane.

They have known each other some 20 years, she has the unique perspective  of  being  a wife, a mother, a Veteran herself, married to a Veteran and  current first responder.  April is also a specialist psychologist in the mental health area.   

Indecisive about her direction post high school, April  became interested in  Psychology.   As a child growing up  overseas and a chance comment by her Mum, April found herself walking into the recruiters office and leaving as a Navy Electronic Warfare Linguist.  Testing with a high score and being told it was a high security role,  sounded pretty exciting.  So off to basic training at HAMS Cerberus, Melbourne.   You learn quickly about team work, pushing yourself and challenges which is fine as it wasn’t intended as a long term career.   April explains her rationale at that time and under the guidance of an RAF Warrant Officer she found a facilitator.    Then she was enrolled in an  undergraduate Batchelor Of Science Psychology part time.  They touch on repurposing military skills post ADF.

On her first trip from Melbourne to Perth April discovered she was prone to acute seasickness.

Navy Postings after that were difficult with her being non functional at sea.   Eventually the Navy had to make a decision but not before April became extremely stressed prior to the beginning of each working week as her mental health suffered.  Literally dreading every week for 12 months and lots  of judgement in that  “it couldn’t possibly be THAT bad.”  One incident left her extremely exposed in front of her shipmates.   Psychologically it was a very difficult for April with diminished responsibilities in her team due to continued sea sickness.   Recriminating self talk, an inability to perform her job but craving  the life she trained for and unable to follow through.   There  was no control and certainly as she waited for an alternative direction  on “short postings.”   

Stay tuned for the concluding episode to Aprils journey in part 2 where they explore  inside a Veteran/First Responder relationships.

Contact -  April Kane
Website: https://greatmindstherapy.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode Andy presses RFS first responder (Deputy Captain), podcast host and author Adam Blum about the circumstances around his turning point.  Tired of living in emotional pain,  his psychologist encouraged him to look at the root causes at a similar time that Adam was reaching the same conclusion.  Adam went for Gastric banding surgery to solve increasing weight, diagnosis of borderline diabetes and reduced life.   That diagnosis was a new low point in Adams life as he  walked out of the GPs surgery at only 27 with a life expectancy of 34.   

Post surgery it changed his life astronomically.  Being vulnerable,  from a clinical stand point with some hard truths, moved Adam forward. Post surgery there were a lot of side effects.  It  was exactly as his specialist said and began immediately after.  No quick fix, Adam dedicated himself through a nutritionist to getting his health back and no longer grazes on the wrong foods..  Essential to a good recovery journey is forming your own health team as Adam outlined.   He now has a personal trainer coach for Triathlon training, Sarah Watson, a former Army Intelligence Major.  He expands on how he met her and despite her living 3 hours away Sarah keeps him accountable on his three disciplines of triathlon training.   There are goals set around that.  What about sharks and the ocean swims Andy enquires?   Mindset was the reply then Adam expanded on competition, team sports, individual PB, he  felt that his pursuit covers it all, further, the voice that said “you’ll ever amount to anything “ is a distant memory.   

A positive mindset has has opened many doors and opportunities, even a work promotion.  Adam continues that  every day isn’t blue skies but the good days outweigh the bad now.   Coming from a military family Adam initially wanted to sign up.   Not being selected was yet another low point that said “ you don’t fit in.”  But life came through with an aligned but different pathway where Adam feels he has still connected with that community and found his tribe.   At disappointment you learn, you adapt and overcome.   You don’t listen to that negative voice because some of the best moments have grown out of the biggest setbacks. 

Contact -  Adam Blum
Facebook True Blue Conversations: https://www.facebook.com/truebluehistorypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.blum.52
Listen to the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/truebluehistorypodcast
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Andy introduces our first “Firey”  RFS (Rural Fire Service) first responder, Adam Blum of Blue Mountains Brigade.

Andy and Adam touch on the diagnosis of ADHD and what the landscape looked like back then as a relatively unchartered disorder.  Adam mentioned in his recent book his parents attracted a lot of criticism for medicating him and his brother.  His parents, after much research committed to a program against fierce family opposition and kept specialists appointments for reviews.   Adam expands on his mindset at that time including the stigma of a disability.   How he managed to push against opinions and personal  challenges.

When the  RFS came through the Blue Mountains to protect homes from bush fires Christmas 2001/2002, Adam was 8 years old.   It ignited a  fire in Adam as he watched them work.  At 19 years Adam finally entered the RFS as a volunteer and shared some of the character building jobs that went into those years before finally becoming a paid firefighter.  Wild fires complex calculations that the public wouldn’t know about.  Given his personal challenges, Adam continued to fight to the top of his profession and what motivated him.  Conversely, the bad bush fire season of 2019-2020 which severely tested him with things he’d never seen a fire previously do.  The subject of Trauma and suicide comes to the surface and what Adam feels acerbated his suicide attempt in 2016.

Adams book has a detailed section on his attempted suicide  but he was okay to expand on the circumstances in this episode in the hope that it may spark a message to the audience.   Specifically incorrect self talk put there by ugly speaking influencers contributing to the way down of his mental state and the patience and purpose to “self elevate” out of dark despair.   Adam gives time lines to form his own “mental health team” to outline what a real-time recovery might look like.   Quick fixes don’t exist and flipping the pain to drive recovery. 

Dealing with judgment and misinformed people whilst in that vulnerable state with simple answers when this is a complex problem with unique individuals requiring a unique way back to living.  It’s when you break out of the “real men don’t speak” mantra that you can get traction, they agreed and went deeper into discussing the turning point in more detail.   

Contact -  Adam Blum
Facebook True Blue Conversations: https://www.facebook.com/truebluehistorypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.blum.52
Listen to the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/truebluehistorypodcast
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

This week we conclude Vietnam Veteran, Tunnel Rat and poetry author Brian Hopkin's episode. 

Brian connected with other Vietnam Veterans after his ADF service.   Marriages weren’t known to last for Veterans in general, so they discussed the role Brian’s wife played inside the storms through the good and bad days.   They discussed the roller coaster of PTSD and the sharing of those experiences with a support person.    

Through clinics, medication changes,  cycling off meds, cycling up, trying new treatments and what Margaret did at the time that helped Brian.   In the 90s Brian attended PTS De Force along with his wife and that’s where he first began writing about what he was feeling.   The Silent Scream was his first work about looking for help and not knowing where to find it.   A chance meeting with a fellow inpatient in the PTS program opened up the idea and Brian practiced his new writing craft in the safe space of a clinic.  Around the year 2000 Brian went on to self publish and sell  booklets  by word of mouth.   He donated the proceeds to charity with the motivation to help that one person.   

Brian explained his ways  to de-escalate stress and manage avoidance behaviours including the “I not knowing what to do, or where to go” when your mind disintegrates and you just want to be left alone .  “Are you okay” wasn’t effective for Brian but other simple types of communication he did find worked to calm him.  Constant migraines, ketamine, some LSD or CBD oils, Botox  for pain management.   One size doesn’t fit all. 
If this has been helpful join us next time for the next episode of the invisible injuries podcast. Don't forget to subscribe. For more great content, follow us on our socials on Instagram. And you can also visit our website www dot invisible injuries.org.au where you can access more content. Thank you for listening to invisible injuries.

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - info@invisibleinjuries.org.au
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 

During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Invisible Injuries presents season 4 of their successful podcast, kicking off episode 1 with Vietnam Veteran, Tunnel Rat and poetry author Brian Hopkins.

Brians personal “well being” story navigating away from the effects of PTSD, eventuating in a more holistic direction.   Andy kicks off the guest segment with Brian’s background and the events leading  to  a 12 month search  to get Brian into the studio this day.

He signed up and entered conscription service at just 21 years old in March 1967.   Being an apprenticed plumber meant he was put straight into Engineers.  After 3 months of field training in explosives he was transferred from Field Squadron One to Penrith 55, a storage supply squadron sending supplies to Vietnam.  

By all reports  Brian was told Vietnam would be a cruise when it came to deployment and his pre embarkation training began at Canungra.

He  learned the meaning of looking after the guy in front and the importance of the guy “behind having your six.”  Brian gave his story with reference to personal space after military training and his Vietnam deployment.    The  impacts on himself, his family and his extended social activities and connections.   So significant that he wrote about it in his booklet.   

Andy asks for an expansion to the Tunnel Rats title and what that meant to be embedded into  Charlie and Delta companies outside the wire.   Especially difficult sometimes, he recounted where priorities clashed and in the face of a Lieutenant jumping up and down, he  had  to maintain that safety focus regardless of commands.   

By the nature of the Rats tasks they did get exposed to some heavy drama but it goes into a box or gets parked for later.   Brian captured these impressions in his mind by poetry and pictures.

Repatriation and reconnection with family was another issue..   Aggression, anger, immediate actions with defaults to certain types of thinking.   Thinking such as being bulletproof because I survived!      Andy asked at what point does Bryan consider “the wheels really started to fall off?”  

Join us next time for part 2 of the invisible injuries podcast where Brian covers his home life.   What it was like for his wife and children during that time and what were the keys to keeping his marriage together.  

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - info@invisibleinjuries.org.au
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In part 3 of Sgt Aaron Quinonez' (Sgt Q) episode the veteran, author shares a glimpse of his suicide attempt and how the situation gave him a sign for pro-life, finding purpose through faith and God.

We also cover off on the veterans amazing work with his charity Q Mission, the Q Actual app - a peer to peer suicide and mental health support app, talking mental health on tour in the US with the "Warwagon" campervan.

The concluding episode is packed full of lived experience examples of the amazing charitable work he's doing including shared nuggets of gold from his book "Healing thru service"
Listen to the full episode

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
Q Actual (peer to peer) suicide & mental health support app: https://qactual.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Welcome to part 2 of veteran, mental health ambassador, public speaker, and "Healing through service" author Sgt Aaron Quinonez (retd) podcast episode.  

In part 1, Sgt Q shared his story, background glimpses of his military service and a detailed recollection of his transition to civilian life, homelessness, suicide attempt and calling where he found his faith (in God) and a renewed purpose giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate.

This episode Sgt Q shares some principles and unpacks some nuggets of gold from his latest book "Healing through service", including one of the analogies where he explains repurposing military principles and applying them into a mental health and self-care context.....brilliant!

Listen to the full episode.

Tune in to part 3 where we cover off on his community charity work through his not-for-profit Q missions.

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this 3 part episode we've special guest Sgt Q - Aaron Quinonez, former US Special forces JTAC forward observer joining us from the United States. 

In part 1, Sgt Q share's his story. A proud Marine since right out of high school, Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q) was trained to fight the enemy and was prepared for war. When he volunteered for a combat tour in Iraq, little did he know his real battle would be fought in his mind. After eight years of military service, Sgt Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. Unknowingly he nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church.  It was this close call with suicide and a sign where Sgt Q found Jesus and the church, which gave him life, faith and a new purpose.

Turning his life around Sgt Q is now a successful business owner, public speaker, mental health ambassador, Q Missions founder and author of his recently released book "Healing through service - A warriors guide to overcoming trauma"

Tune in to parts 2 & 3 to follow his inspirational story and ongoing mission.

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

It's no secret Mike Handley, founder of Red Six App, is passionate about the app and his service to the veteran and general community. In the concluding episode Mike we focus our attention to the Red Six app, its purpose, features, future developments and the positive impact that it's contributing toward lowering the suicide rate amongst veterans.

Mike also touches on the applications of the app in the First Responder/Emergency Services community and amongst current serving members. Being passionate and of service also has it's downsides....unfortunately there's haters and those so eager to attack the people who give so much back to the community. Painstakingly Mike shares his experiences at how hurtful being on the receiving end of this negative behaviour can be and how he calls upon the people and those in his immediate network looking after his "SIX" when he's in need of a familiar voice or non-judgemental chat to validate his feelings as well as being consistent with his self-care.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In part 2 of Red Six App founder Mike Handley's story he shares highlights and traumas experienced during his two deployments, the struggle's he had re-integrating with civilian life post military including suicidal thoughts and ideologies, his road to self-improvement and the importance of immediate support (his wife Rachel, kids and close friends/colleagues) and the positive effect they can have when your in need. 

This part of Mikes story paints a vivid picture to the backstory and inception of the Red Six app and why he's so passionate about giving back and supporting the veteran and general community.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode host Andy Fermo chats with Mike Handley, founder of the Red Six app which is aimed at helping lower the growing suicide rate amongst the veteran community. The app offers a virtual community that is accessible no matter where you are located, using GPS technology.

Known amongst his military colleagues and friends as "Casper", in part 1 Mike shares his story giving glimpses his daily life in the army, playing representative rugby for Army, unexpected deployment opportunities, roles and an insight into the personal life of the man behind the brand.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this weeks concluding episode with Dave Esler, veteran and President of "The Gap" Qld RSL sub-branch we continue his story and additional projects he's passionate about including firt repsonder focused NFP "Trek2Health."

Who we support it's police fire ambulance Like Emergency Nurses and veterans. And the, the thing that we're out to accomplish is to rebuild resilience in people who may have lost that through their service in some capacity. And, and we were discussing before we hit record, right that, but as a, as a veteran, we yours and my deployment experience was not the same the similarities, right we, we do force preparation, we kiss the family, goodbye, jump on a plane, and we're gone for six months, we're in a different country away from family and, and you're in that zone, the entire deployment.

You go, you're there to do a job, you mission focus for the entire time, and then you come home and deal with it. Right? The first responders, it's a different, it's a different life, you know that they're going to start shift, whatever time they start, she put the game based on the rap the community, serving the community, and they see whatever they see, and they do whatever they do, then they've got to take off uniform or go home with their family. And they do that every single day.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
Website: https://www.trek2health.org.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this weeks episode we continue speaking with Dave Esler, a contemporary veteran who's taken the mantle as President of "The Gap" QLD RSL sub-branch.

Dave shares a glimpse and insight into some of the traumatic events he experienced as an attached Electronic Warfare Team Leader to Special Forces (reserve) Commando's on combat operations in Afghanistan.

Yeah, no, there was a couple of things for me that really knocked me about that. You know, I just sort of process a lot of it long, like many other people brought their support over there. And one of the one of the things, I'll share a couple of things that happened, it sort of really impacted me quite a bit there was on my third tour. We were in northern Kandahar, moving around, and we would put a blocking, we've had to clear a clear Greenbelt. And, you know, to anyone who doesn't appreciate what a Greenbelt is, it's, it's normally the low ground along the valley where a river or creek Creek would run and become high side all the way down.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Following our popular Money Marksmanship series we continue Season 3 with the first of our guests, Dave Esler, president of "The Gap" Qld RSL sub-branch.

I had the privilege of being able to serve with Dave as one of my Detachment Commanders in my early days at 7th Signals Regiment. So and now he's also one of the growing contemporary veterans that have taken up the mantle in the sub branch in the Queensland RSL sub-branch organization. So thank you so much for joining us today. Dave.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
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This session is designed to help you prepare for sleep. 

Tonight we'll be using two shapes, the triangle and the square with the sigh as we need it. So let's begin that let's start by taking two sides relax. Second one let's start off with the triangle in 233 poles 23452323 Pause 23452323 pause 23452323 pause 2345232323452323 pause 23452323 pause 23452323 pause 3452323 Pause 2345 

We're now going to transition to the square where the count is for three. So with me in two, three pause, two, three, out, three pause, two, three, in two, three pause. Two, three, out to three, pause to three, in two, three, pause to three, out to three, pause to three. 

Let's take a sigh ah. Coming back to the square to three, pause to three, out to three. Pause to three in to three, pause to three out to three pause. Two, three let it all flow and start quieten down your breathing let's take a sigh.

 This completes the session

This session is designed to give you the same amount of energy as a shot of coffee. So sit comfortably, relax your jaw, relaxed shoulders and relax your back. 

Today we'll be using two shapes, being the circle with continuous breaths in and out in one circular motion, and the triangle, where I'll guide you through the up, releasing on the down with the breath hold.  At the end, we're going to have a bit of a sire to let everything go and loosen everything off to round off the session. 

So let's begin let's start with the circle. up if you feel the need to sigh, let it sigh and then continue on the show we're about to transition to a triangle where it's three up, three down, and five pause. So let's transition now 123 out two, three, cause 2345 in two, three, out two, three. Pause 2345 Now let's transition back to circles. 

Let's increase the pace of that circle continue to loosen your hands and loosen the shoulders, wiggle your body deepen your inhale and increase the base listen to your body and just allow the energy to come into it right let's complete the session by taking a big sigh sigh and bring your awareness back to the center of your eyebrows. 

This completes the session

This session is designed for you to energize and help you shift energy. 

So let's sit comfortably, palms open and get a bit of space between the hips and the hips. Imagine a circle and you're connecting it in with your breath in and your breath out with no breaks or pauses. 

What you'll notice is a natural rocking and the hips and if you don't get it straight away, that's cool. 

You can breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth or in through your mouth and out through your mouth. That's fine. So let's begin. 

Loosen the shoulders and relax your hands. Relax your jaw, relax your back and if you feel the need to sigh then sigh if you need to. finish off let's double the inhale that go relax the body. 

This completes the session