Fortunate

Welcome @MtLittleJoe! Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you could be a wonderful support to others here. You are also so welcome to document your ups and downs with us, we would be honoured to witness your journey, no matter what it looks like - but very happy to read that you are feeling well. 💗

Thank you so much for sharing @MtLittleJoe .

It means a lot to us that you've been able to come along and share a little about yourself.

What are some ways you have found helpful in managing some of the challenges in your life?

Thanks for the reply, I didn't think it would have interest to anyone. Since leaving the ADF as a full time member DVA has provided access to many areas that I needed help with. Initially Mates for Mates was very helpful with group activities. Cycling at the time was the exercise I completed regularly. I use to ride many kilometres [edited by moderator] just to be involved in Pilates at Mates for Mates in Toowong QLD. This was available for about 9 months until the instructor left. DVA assisted me with seeing an Exercise Physiologist (EP) once a week, Physiotherapist as required, a Dietician as needed and all of this helped with improving myself to feel a lot better. Early in the year, sadly my EP died from cycling, he was such an inspiration to my development. Now he has passed I joined another Gymnasium to train. Overall my ADF life was so regimented and now I have all of this free time to be involved with my family, enjoy the things that matter and feel like lucky to be stronger, healthier and reach out to the people that can help me as I age. @tyme @AuntGlow

Hi there @MtLittleJoe ,

Thank you for sharing. I've always wanted to learn more about ADF life and life after the ADF. It sounds great that you have been able to keep yourself going through exercise and looking after your health.

It sounds like that life/ADF balance is so important for you and hence you've made the choice to be part of the reservist. Sounds like your family is so lucky to have you!

What are some other things you enjoy doing in your free time? I'm mindful you mention you are involved in a trade now?

Hey @MtLittleJoe

Welcome! Your voice and stories are definitely worth sharing here, seeing another veteran managing injuries and maintaining fitness and health so well can be an inspiration and motivation to others. We need more of that everywhere.

Sorry to hear about losing your EP so tragically, I hope you’re doing ok. I’ve also become friends with my EPs too, I’d be devastated if anything happened to them.

I’m sure if you read through everyone’s threads here you’ll have plenty of advice or support to offer other members, and everyone loves a story so post away. Even if people don’t reply or click support there are always passive scrollers who come to have a read and pick up some good feels or inspiration here and there.

Hey @MtLittleJoe

My Dad is the same. He's been in the ADF for decades and is very close to retirement. He'd describe his mental health as being "fine"; no overt traumas. It's taken a huge toll on his body though, which is then the thing that gets his mental health down.

One thing that worries me about my Dad is that he won't find things to fill his time and give him purpose when he retires. It's great to hear that you're still a reservist and have other things to occupy you. It gives me hope for my old man.

How long has it been since you transitioned out?

Originally joined the ADF as a Motor Trimmer in 1984. The trade was made redundant in 1993 therefore, I transferred to another aircraft trade. The experience has been very rewarding working on various aircraft types, many retired now.

I retired as a Permanent Member in late 2019, then became a Reservist working in the RAAF Museum repairing the interior of aircraft cockpits. The ADF use to buy materials from manufacturers and store them in the warehouse, but now a lot of the materials are not available anymore. On several occasions my research is speaking to Managers that the Museum can buy materials from.

As a result my Mental Health Is fairly stable, I do know there is help available if required.

When I retired my partner retired from cooking our evening meals, and made me responsible, wow that was a challenge. We eat fairly well and sometimes I forget to follow the recipe, sound familiar?

@MtLittleJoe

Welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you are very happy in your life as a reservist. That’s awesome. You don’t have to be struggling to hang out here. It’s great to hear positive recovery focused stories as well. I need to get into some sort of exercise. I might try and start walking again to start off with. I am full of excuses. It’s either too wet or too hot. I used to go to my local shops to walk when they were a bit quieter in the evenings. Maybe you can inspire me to get moving. I enjoyed my time in the ADF but it feels a very long time ago now. I have been retired from the ADF for about 35 years. I wasn’t able to get help from DVA so never really got linked with Open Arms or any other Ex-service organisations. I recently joined my local RSL sub branch.

@MtLittleJoe

Definitely routine is helpful. I am quite busy throughout the week but I probably have time in the afternoons or evenings. I might ask my friend if she wants to join me to walk at my local shops in the evenings. If I do it at the same time each evening then it should become a habit.