TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains some discussion of suicide and mental health. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support there are various options available. See below for contacts.

In this week's podcast episode, I talk to Army Spouse Anne about the unfolding and uncertain situation in Afghanistan.

Anne and I also talk about;

• Supporting her husband through two deployments in Afghanistan
• Why each mission was different but both had the same intent
• The immense pride she feels knowing her husband improved the living conditions of the Afghan people
• Why strengthening the education system, improving the rights of women, developing their infrastructure and broadening the Afghan people’s freedoms was priority
• How she navigated overseas postings knowing the danger her husband was in
• The lack of understanding among the civilian community of what defence life is and entails
• The emotional toll the stigma of war itself carries and the varied opinions
• Why her husband would go into “soldier mode” ahead of a deployment
• What happened when her husband was involved in an incident during his first deployment
• Not knowing if her husband was ok and finding out another soldier had been killed
• Why surrounding herself with defence spouses was the best support she could ask for
• Her husband’s commitment to the cause and why the current situation in Afghanistan is devastating
• How the defence and veteran community is coming together to support each other in light of what is happening in Afghanistan
• Why the work and sacrifices made by the defence members who served in Afghanistan was NOT a waste
• Coming to terms with all that is happening in Afghanistan and finding a way forward
• The importance of talking with your mates, checking in on your fellow defence friends and reaching out for support when needed

Please note: Anne’s name and voice have been changed to protect her identity.

Support Services

FREE Counselling for ADF Members, Veterans and Defence Partners- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046

FREE anonymous counselling line- Call Safe Zone Support day or night (7 days) on 1800 142 072

Lifeline- Call day or night (7 days) on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline- Call day or night (7 days) on 1800 551 800

The Defence Family Helpline (DMFS) call day or night (7 days) on 1800 624 608

Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.