Our Last Meeting  - Nathan Tolman - Mental Health

Chair for the day Renae welcomed guest speaker Nathan

 

She asked us all to tell the group about our first job - some interesting stories there.

 

 

Deborah introduced Nathan, who she met at RYDA, where he was a speaker.

 

Australian Army Veteran of 22 years Nathan Tolman

Nathan reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 both serving as a Paratrooper in the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and Infantryman in the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

 

Nathan deployed on multiple deployments to;
East Timor,
Solomon Islands,
Iraq x 2, and
Afghanistan x 2

 

After an extensive career as a soldier Nathan noticed signs and symptoms of declining mental health and physical injuries sustained during service near the end of his tenure within the Defence Force which ultimately assisted in his decision to end his career and seperate medically from the Defence Force after his proud 22 years of service.

 

Now Nathan continues to serve the community helping Veterans and our Youth in a time of need.

 

Nathan thanked Deborah for the opportunity to tell his story, and proceeded on his “journey through mental health“

 

As a 10-year-old Nathan accompanied his mother’s partner for an excursion down to the local hospital. He was offered McDonald’s as a treat. They went round to a little. building which was out of sight, (and out of mind) and he noticed that the people around all had a similar appearance. You know that glazed look - a bit of dribbling saliva, and they spoke slower. The cigarette ash was just a bit longer than usual. They were drinking chocolate milk – of course, it was the methadone clinic - his mother‘s partner was an ex-heroin addict - a rather “negative“ role model.

He lived with abuse in a housing commission “house of violence“.

 

He was a “naughty kid“ with ADHD, and was searching for a positive role model – there is no father on the scene, but his grandfather fitted the part. At 12 he visited him on the North Coast of New South Wales. He became a bit of a spoiled kid – he was actually his step grandfather.

In 2000 he joined the army as an 18-year-old, and remained until last year.

He was deployed in the third battalion. It wasn’t until his 13th flight on plane that he actually landed rather than parachuted.

 

He had his first child while he was in Iraq.

 

In 2010 he was a Sergeant as a 28-year-old in Delta Company in Afghanistan.

On 24 August there was an event while clearing a village. There was a large enemy force about 100 m away. Their medic was a 55-year-old – they were moving quickly, trying to get to the “high ground“. There were between 80 and 120 of the enemy and 20 Australians
“fog of war” He remembers the  medic “get up here“ - 30 minutes for chopper. Artillery support.

 

Back home for second child, but also a marriage breakdown.

 

2018/19 back to Afghanistan as a Warrant Officer.

 

The photo shows a coffin being delivered to the aircraft - a slow march to the plane, and then a quick march back to signify “move on“

 

Ticket to my downfall.
The soldiers were getting younger.
Covid-19 – long service
200 job applications “army only“

Mental-health “adjustment disorder“ and PTSD.
Depression/anxiety

3 to 4 shoulder operations and medical issues.
“Lose identity“ in civilian life

 

2020, make a plan – sleeping medication - he sent girlfriend away (photo shows Heath Ledger) He attempted suicide.

The ambulance officers called the Army, his ex-wife called him “selfish - It was a “wake-up call”
He hadn’t seen them for six months due to Covid.

Addiction to work.
“lack of purpose“
2022 separated from the army.

 

Positive mindset – movement is king.
Brought a bike.
Established a veteran’s surfing Association, but he has stepped back from that now.
Good food is important.
Mindset - “make your bed“
Values, three legged chair.

 

My journey – veteran, mentor, mentors, helping youth “team“
Changing lives.
Parent trips as well.
Drill – good for ADHD.
Yandina - 60 kids for nine days.
Funding “biggest thing“
Kids with mental issues.
$5500 per child.
ADHD
Parent “conversations“

M H. Awareness – “ignite the conversation“

 

It’s like surfing – you have a wipeout - do you paddle back in or do you paddle back out?
Ocean healing.

 

Renae thanked Nathan. “Thank you for your service“

 

Directors
Darryl - Don’t forget our trip to the Lighthouse. and “accept or decline“

 

Sergeant Richard just lost his fourth set of glasses.

 

Roger is an apology next week. If anyone can email him some photos and/or text he will put it together as the “Our Last Meeting” photos and story.