Australia Military Families training for when soldiers come home

Families on alert for stress disorders in Iraq soldiers

Samantha Healy
June 08, 2008 12:00am


IT'S the day anxious Queensland soldiers' families have longed for - their loved ones are coming home.

Today, more than 130 soldiers, mostly from 6RAR at Enoggera's Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, will arrive at Brisbane International Airport.

For many, it will be the first time their boots have touched home soil for more than six months.

While it will be a joyous occasion for the families, it could also herald a period of awkward readjustment for some of the military personnel who have raw memories of war-ravaged Iraq.

Family and friends have already been counselled by defence experts to be on the lookout for signs of stress disorders.

Debbie Kilbride's son, 22-year-old Pte Tim Kilbride, served six months in Iraq.

"Part of me was scared when he said he was going to Iraq. He'll always be my baby," she said. "I know it will take time for him to open up, but we know the signs to look for."

Iraq is not the first tour for young Pte Kilbride, who also served in East Timor.

"When he came back from Timor he was very quiet and wanted his family around," Ms Kilbride said.

"He saw a lot of combat in Timor but he hasn't been able to tell us much about Iraq. He will when he is ready. I know he spent a bit of time with the (Iraqi) kids.

"He definitely believes they were doing good over there and the army has made sure there is plenty of support for them and us. I will be keeping an eye on him," she said.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to Anxiety Australia, include nightmares, recurring negative feelings, muscle tension and rapid heartbeat.

Other signs include excessive use of alcohol or drugs, avoiding people and public places, feelings of detachment, a constant state of alertness and over-reaction to loud noises.

Dr Matthew Bambling, of Queensland University of Technology's psychology department, said no amount of training could prepare soldiers for the realities of war.

"You go into survival mode and often have to live outside your normal value system, so when a soldier comes home it can be hard to adjust," he said.

Dr Bambling said the public had a part to play in making that transition as smooth as possible.

"There are some mixed feelings about this war, and some of these soldiers may be open to criticism from some sectors of society," he said. "We all need to support them, regardless of the politics."
go here for more of this
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23826605-3102,00.html