Veteran rediscovers identity with physical and mental wellbeing program

Topic: Veterans

Shane Bramley did two deployments to East Timor as an aerial dispatcher and physical trainer.

After 27 years, Shane Bramley left the Australian Army.

Shane Bramley went to East Timor twice and had many injuries in his last eight years of service.

Shane has many health problems like musculoskeletal injuries and chronic fatigue.

Shane Bramley struggled with his identity when he left the army.

Shane says his many injuries affect him a lot.

If Shane had fewer injuries, he would focus on each one.

Ironically, Shane helped other soldiers recover when he was in the army.

Shane says taking care of himself is hard.

Shane Bramley won gold at the Invictus Games and still rows.

Shane was depressed and struggled with his mental health.

Shane's injuries stopped him from progressing in his career and being active.

Shane used to be very active, but his injuries made him stop pushing himself.

Shane was part of a research project at James Cook University.

The project leader, Brian Heilbronn, is an exercise science lecturer and army reservist.

The VIPER3 project combines strength training and mindfulness to help veterans.

Brian Heilbronn wants to create a model for veterans' mental and physical health.

The project looks at both physical and mental health.

No one has studied the combination of physical training and mindfulness before.

Veterans often neglect their physical and mental health after leaving the army.

Chronic injuries make it harder for veterans to take care of themselves.

Learning to live with injuries and stay active is important for veterans.

Ainsley Hooker competed in the Invictus Games.

The program modifies exercises to avoid injuring veterans further.

Brian Heilbronn wants to create a program to help veterans with physical and mental health.

He hopes his findings can be used to create programs across the country.

Brian Heilbronn guides a participant through weight training.

A healthy mind and body are connected.

Wendy Li runs meditation and mindfulness sessions.

Wendy Li says mindfulness helps veterans cope with chronic pain and stress.

Wendy Li runs mindfulness sessions with veterans.

Veterans find that pain can help them focus on their bodies during meditation.

Pain can be seen as a good thing during meditation.

When the mind and body connection changes, pain can decrease.

Participants get comfortable during mindfulness sessions.

Wendy Li guides participants through simple exercises.

Participants focus on their bodies, sounds, or nature during meditation.

After five sessions, participants can easily bring their minds back to their bodies.

Wendy Li wants to teach appreciation during meditation.

Appreciation can be applied to the body and relationships.

Chronic injuries are common among veterans.

Sixty per cent of ADF veterans have long-term health conditions.

Dr Camilia Guindalini is the Director of Mental Health Research.

Every year, 5,500 veterans leave the ADF, with 18 per cent medically discharged.

Forty-six per cent of ADF members who transitioned in the past five years have mental health disorders.

Mental, physical, and social health are interconnected.

PTSD is a systemic condition that affects physical health and more.

Participants do body scans and focus techniques during sessions.

Leaving the military can be a high-risk period for mental health.

Leaving the military can be an abrupt end to an identity and purpose.

Veterans must navigate the civilian medical system and new jobs.

Service for veterans can be disjointed, causing some to disengage.

Disjointed services can reduce their benefits.

Ready for the future

Shane Bramley completed a 30-kilometre rowing trial.

Shane says the VIPER3 project helped him push himself physically.

Shane took part in the program to be better prepared for the future.

Shane wants to take care of himself for his family and friends.

Shane doesn't need a plan, just a direction.

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