Soldiers hope march inspires change for PTSD sufferers
Posted Aug 1, 2014 01:30:21 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Three former Canadian soldiers are hoping their march across Canada encourages veterans to come forward if they’re struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.The march, called ‘No Man’s Land’, started in Victoria British Columbia, on June 23rd and they hope to end in St. John’s Newfoundland in late September.
Steve Hartwig was a peacekeeper in Yugoslavia back in 1992 and suffers from PTSD. He launched the walk with his two comrades, and they’ve planned to walk 32 km a day until the walk is finished.
Hartwig has been critical of the government’s actions to make Canadian Forces Veterans wait on treatment.
“It is in that time, difficult for people, because they’re struggling” says Hartwig. “And it takes a lot to come out into the light, and say ‘You know what, I have PTSD and I need help right now.’ and then they say ‘Okay, we’ve taken your information we’ll get back to you’ then there’s a period of waiting two or three weeks and then they get back to you.”‘
He adds that they’re hopeful the Government will take note and implement sufficient treatment practices for Canadian Forces veterans.
