Wounded Spirit works with Australian Defence Force veterans whose Defence service may have led to mental health issues with a spiritual or faith basis. It’s not just for veterans; it’s also for their friends, families, and the medical, social, and spiritual teams who support them.
How, when, where or if veterans worship is their call – we don’t judge and respect their rights and beliefs. Wounded Spirit is a multi-faith, non-denominational volunteer group. We are not aligned, supported by or linked to any religious or faith group. We celebrate all beliefs, or lack thereof. Likewise, whether a veteran is lapsed or active doesn’t matter to us.
Belatedly, we are starting to understand that the service provided by our Soldiers, Sailors or Airmen/women comes at a terrible cost and is leading to some significant mental health issues within our veteran community. There is strong evidence to suggest that spiritual or faith-based issues cause a component of these mental illnesses. Disappointingly, this is not yet being addressed by agencies such as DVA or the mainstream faith-based organisations.
Australian Charity Number: 23924007579
The factors that lead to a mental health issue are complicated and occur on many psychological, physical, social, cultural and spiritual levels. Treating mental illness is a serious business best left to properly accredited health professionals and we urge any veteran who has the slightest concern in this areas to seek help from their doctor or medical provider.
The idea that a veteran maybe suffering a spiritual wound as a result of their Defence service is hardly new. Throughout recorded history Soldiers, Sailors or Airmen/women who have served in war or conflict how found themselves questioning their faith or spiritual beliefs based on events they have seen or participated in. In most cases it causes them to ask the following sorts of FAQ:
· Why did God do this to me/to them?
· Was the event an act of God's will?
· Why does God hurt the innocent?
· Why doesn't God answer my prayers or, at least, send me a sign?
· Will God forgive me for what I have done?
Of course, there may be many other questions, but like the young soldier’s story on the front page, a veteran’s faith becomes clouded with questions of doubt, shame and guilt. It’s when these questions are left unanswered or are unsatisfactorily answered that some veterans may develop deeper issues, most often in concert with other mental health factors.
There are plenty of agencies that can provide you with helpful (and free!) support for general mental health issues. Please contact the following if you need immediate help:
Open Arms - Veterans and Family Counselling: 1800 011 046
Lifeline: 131114
Wounded Spirit currently runs:
The Faith Leaders Workshop helps leaders across various religious and faith organisations understand the specific spiritual needs of Defence Veterans. This is not about religion but rather the tactical and practical steps that faith leaders from any group can take to help veterans in their communities.
Please contact us for more details!
See the articles below from some peer-reviewed and international journals that might help.
Thank You!
Wounded Spirit is what is called a "tentmaker minmistry." We all have external jobs and any money or support we receive is only used to cover costs - thats all. We don't (and will never!) ask for money and support from veterans and their families. We support our work with donations from corporate groups, individuals, and occasionally (very) Government Grants. Any help you can give will be most gratefully received and put to good use!
Registered Australian Charity: 23924007579
We are very grateful for the support if Storage King for our work!
Over its 22 year history, Storage King has become the brand name synonymous with solving the storage issues of this generation. The Group has grown to more than 200 stores, trading in all major metropolitan areas of Australia and New Zealand, servicing over 100,000 customers. The wonderful company culture of inclusion is what sets Storage King apart from the rest as customers recognise the care and pride each Store Manager has for their storage facility.
Tell us your stories.
This may seem hard, but examples of where your faith has failed you, or where you feel it has, are very useful in helping us build a picture of the spiritual wounds and injuries affecting our veterans.