Kyle's story
Peer Kyle, a former cavalry crewman, veteran and now Community and Peer Advisor with Open Arms, shares his experiences and encourages other veterans to seek help for their mental health challenges.
Kyle deployed to Afghanistan with MTF-3 and experienced heightened anxiety and panic after returning from service. To alleviate these symptoms, he resorted to risky behaviours, which led to his diagnosis and medical discharge in 2013.
“It took a long time to seek the help that I needed,” he explains.
Kyle initially encountered difficulties grappling with the stigma attached to seeking mental health support.
“When I eventually did seek help, I was surprised by the large number of compassionate people who cared about my wellbeing and were committed to supporting me through my recovery. “I felt empowered, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my journey towards healing,” he says. Despite living a life rich in meaning and purpose, Kyle still confronts mental health challenges and feelings of vulnerability when requesting assistance. “I have come to recognise the importance of embracing vulnerability and the notion that genuine transformation can only occur when we are open and receptive to change and if nothing changes, nothing changes.”
Kyle acknowledges the challenge veterans may face when attending commemorative events and understands these feelings first-hand.
“I found solace in avoiding these events to protect myself from painful memories and loss. However, as time has passed, I have learned to approach these emotions with a more compassionate mindset. I have come to accept that it is natural and healthy to experience feelings of sadness when honouring the memories of those who have passed. I now keep Anzac Day small and spend time with people I feel comfortable with and trust, such as close friends and family”.
Kyle knows it isn’t always easy for people to talk about their feelings, but “by creating a supportive environment in which individuals feel heard, I believe they will have the space to share their experiences. In some cases, this might be all that is required, but if more assistance is necessary, intervention can help individuals feel more at ease and more likely to seek additional clinical support”.
As an Open Arms Peer, Kyle strives to provide authentic, reliable, and trustworthy support to veterans and their loved ones. He believes that non-judgmental, empathetic, and genuine human connection are critical components of effective support. He encourages other veterans to seek help for their mental health challenges.“It takes immense courage to take the first step towards healing, but there is always hope for a better future.”
As we commemorate Anzac Day this year, let us remember the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, and also take a moment to acknowledge the importance of support and connection in helping those who have served.
If you’re looking for counselling and support services for yourself, or your immediate family, you can call Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 24/7 on 1800 011 046 for free and confidential advice.