Wife of traumatised war hero tells ABC Q&A husband tried to take his own life ‘more than 30 times’
Wife of traumatized army doctor who attempted suicide ‘more than 30 times’ leaves ABC’s Q&A panel baffled – as she denounces lack of vet services and reveals the effort it takes to keep him alive
- A veteran has tried to take his own life ‘more than 30 times’
- His wife saved him several times
- Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
The devoted wife of a traumatized army medic has revealed the struggles it takes to keep her suicidal husband alive amid a lack of services for veterans.
Alison and Dave opened ABC’s Q&A program on Monday night about their harrowing experiences after Dave served in East Timor for Australia.
Dave said he was haunted by the things he saw during his service as a soldier and medic, and that he tried to take his own life “more than 30 times”.
Fighting back tears, Alison said she tied herself to her husband after his latest suicide attempt as they waited nine days for an inpatient care center bed to be released.
“For nine days I had to commit myself to my husband so that he would not attempt to take his own life at night while we slept,” she told the stunned panel.
Dave said he has horrible nightmares “every night.”
“I have constant pain all over my body, even my eyelids hurt,” he said.
When asked by host Stan Grant what it was like for her, Alison replied, “If I was just a woman I’d be fine, but I’m Dave’s career, counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, doctor, chemist — everything.”
“I cut him down when he’s hanging from the roof, I resuscitate him when he overdoses, and I’ve done that so many times before.”
Alison said the pair had received help from the Veterans Center of Australia, but since it recently closed “we have nowhere to go.”
“There is no more impatient care for disabled suicide veterans in Australia,” she said.
Veterans Center Australia closed its doors last month after operating for nearly 12 years and became insolvent after its main financier withdrew support.
The service handled up to 600 clients at a time across Australia, advocating for veterans and helping them and their families navigate healthcare, financial support and job placement.
Alison offered panellist and Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh an invitation to be a guest in the couple’s home so he can understand what they are going through.
Couple Alison and Dave (pictured) spoke on Monday night’s ABC Q&A program about their heartbreaking experiences after Dave served in the army in East Timor
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said: ‘It is really clear that governments on both sides have dropped the ball in how we support our veteran community when they are in need’
‘[To] experience firsthand the crisis that has led your government to neglect Australian veterans and their families by closing the Veterans Center Australia,” she said.
“I don’t want you to send your secretary or your offsider, I want you to come to our house.”
Alison said the Veterans Center had meant “everything” to many veterans and saved lives, including Dave’s.
“He may be Joe Blow to you, but he’s my man who signed up and served this country and he’s everything to me,” she said.
A stunned Mr Keogh said he was sorry for what the couple had to endure, thanking Dave for his services and Alison for ‘looking after him’.
“It’s really clear that governments on both sides have dropped the ball in how we support our veteran community when they are in need,” he said.
Mr Keogh said he was happy to “get in touch” with the couple after the programme.
Stan Grant said there were “no words” for what Alison and Dave had been through.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact: Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 224 636