Wherever you stand on the worth of war itself, no matter how nationalistic or pacifistic you are, it’s hard to see the hundreds of red poppies and hear the cry of the bugle without bowing your head for the men and women who believed in protecting this country so much they gave their lives for it. 

But this year, Soldier On suggested we can do more than passively honour the fallen, that we can also reach out to the wounded, left behind. As Australians gave a minute of their time to the soldiers we’ve lost, Soldier On asked us to give another to check on the mates that are still here. 

When we think of soldiers, we often think of strength and bravery, and that is certainly true- to face the horrors of war and fight through the fear of death takes something special. But we rarely think about what happens after, once the survival instinct backs down and veterans are asked to face the ‘real world’ of friends and safety. Anyone who’s ever had a panic attack knows the all-encompassing nature of fear, how traumatic it is, and how difficult it is to breathe easily and think calmly and rationally once the danger has passed. 

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs spends approximately $166 million per year on mental health services, and thousands of Australians are affected physically or mentally by their time in service. Friends and family of those suffering often often don’t know what to do. Their loved one is reacting differently and they don’t how to help without pushing the wrong buttons. 

The biggest mistake we can make is ignoring it and hoping they ‘get over it’. When people contemplate suicide, it’s often because they can no longer see a way out of their pain, they feel backed into a corner and have lost sight of what gives them hope. But getting out of their own traitorous brain, talking through their pain and remembering why they’re worthwhile and their life’s worth living can pull someone back from the edge. 

There is life after war and life after mental illness, but it can be gut wrenching to reach. Soldiers need support and understanding. Friends and families need patience, resilience and education. And the whole community needs support services like Soldier On.