Barefoot and shrouded by darkness, a homeless veteran shouts commands to an unseen infantry in an empty inner-city Christchurch park. Some of New Zealand's “forgotten” veterans become “homeless or end up in prison” through undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some develop problems with alcohol and family violence.”123RF Some veterans affected by PTSD struggle to ask for, and access, help. There are very few psychologists who are skilled at working with veterans in New Zealand.”Not all of those affected were classified as veterans under the Veterans' Support Act. “It is common, and it is difficult to deal with.”An earlier study found evidence of PTSD among 10 per cent of New Zealand Vietnam War veterans.

Source: Stuff April 23, 2021 02:15 UTC