#BATTALION11: Honouring the Invisible Battles - Anthony Reed

As we gather to reflect on this Remembrance Day, we not only recall the battles fought and the lives sacrificed but also the silent struggles that continue beyond the battlefield. Today, #Battalion11 turns its attention to the brave yet often unseen fight against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that soldiers like Anthony Reed face.

Anthony Reed, who served with the Royal Canadian Regiment in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008, became a changed man. The invisible wounds of war manifested in PTSD – a reality for many who return from service. His journey since then had been marked with the challenges of mood swings and self-harm, symptoms not unique to him but shared by countless others in the military community.

It's a sobering truth that not all wounds bleed; not all scars are etched on the skin. Mental battles can be just as debilitating as physical ones, and we must acknowledge and support those who fight them every day.

In the spirit of camaraderie and compassion, organizations like Wounded Warrior Canada (WWC) step up to fill the ranks in this different kind of warfare. WWC is a beacon of hope and healing, offering comprehensive mental health services to Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExPs) and their families. They recognize that recovery is a mission accomplished not in isolation but through the strength of partnerships, collaborative efforts across organizations, and the unwavering support of our community.

This Remembrance Day, let us pledge to look beyond the uniform and see the individual, to recognize the silent battles, and to support the continuous journey towards well-being. Let us honour soldiers like Anthony Reed by ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their aftercare is always assured.

To read more about Anthony Reed and his story, please visit the following link. (https://ottawasun.com/2015/11/10/suicide-a-sad-reality-for-some-vets)

Lest we forget, RSM Riggs.

#PTSDAwareness #InvisibleWounds #MentalHealthSupport #WoundedWarriorsCanada #Battalion11 #WeRemember