Family Wreckage - Post Vietnam You have probably gathered, if you have reached this page after reading the rest, that life was a tad tedious after returning from Vietnam. My family suffered immensely, through no fault of their own. They became the focus of my anger, my frustration and my drinking. My wife and I fought (not all the time), but I really didn't give her much to be thankful for. She suffered her own PTSD from the Vietnam War - ME! Our marriage was rocky to say the least. When I was out of hospital she would be in hospital. She carried me when I was incapable of carrying myself. She was my strength and I was destroying her. She had every reason to leave and take the boys with her, but she didn't. I left a trail of wreckage behind me. Was I justified? - NO! I didn't have a clue what was happening to me and no one could tell me or explain it to me and that didn't make it right. My wife and children did not deserve what I dished out to them - no way! Even today I hear of veterans who are still living as I lived from 1967 and on. We were young, and the War changed us. How many times have you heard, "He was so nice before he left, but he came back changed - he's not the same person - he's not nice to be around." We may have destroyed our families through events in relationship breakdown after returning to Australia, but it doesn't have to be like that until we depart planet earth. There is much to be done in restoring family relations generally in the Veteran community. It is never too late, and I realise that for some it has been finalised. I know a veteran whose son hasn't spoken to his father in over two years because he thinks his father has lost the plot. His dad hasn't - dad has just come to realise he has PTSD. He suffers other physical disabilities, but the tragedy is the brokenness of relationship between a father and his son - these are the unseen wounds of Vietnam that I believe need healing and no amount of Government legislation will accomplish that. My wife should have suffered long term after effects of the shock treatment she was given- she didn't! My children should have disowned me - they didn't! I should have terminated - I didn't! The real tragedy is that many veterans do not yet know of the help that is there for them, their partner and their children. It wasn't until some 28 years down the track that I finally was able to plug into the system and receive the help that I needed. Mate, if you have been reading the pages of this site and can identify with my life's story of life after the Vietnam War, and you know you need help to climb out of the bunker you find yourself in, then give Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling or call 1800 011 046. Why not speak to a ‘digger’ mate and ask for help in taking that first step to regaining your life. go to top