VETERAN Rachel Kerrigan knows all too well the debilitating effects post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have on body and mind.
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The 38-year-old former Kempsey resident spent seven years serving in the Royal Australian Air Force as an electrical engineer, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002.
She has since suffered from a stroke and been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as severe depressive disorder.
The diagnoses meant Ms Kerrigan was medically discharged from the Air Force.
Left feeling crippled mentally and physically, Ms Kerrigan’s weight ballooned to 119 kilograms (she is back to 57kg).
She was also taking 30 pills a day for the condition. “PTSD stripped me of my identity,” she said.
“I was no longer part of my service or fighting for my country.
“I had gone from a fully functioning adult to someone I didn’t know anymore. I couldn’t leave the house, answer the phone or hold a conversation with anyone.
“My daughter, who is 12 now, was my sole carer, looking after me and the runnings of the household.
“I was ruled by anxiety, fear, self doubt, hatred, flashbacks, nightmares and a sense of not being good enough – I was literally a prisoner in my own head.”
Refusing to let the condition define her, with the help of her daughter, Rachel picked herself up and started again.
In the past two-and-a-half years, she has become more involved in sport and exercise - which she credits with helping her manage the condition.
She recently followed in the footsteps of her war veteran grandfather and former Kempsey man Garvin Townsend by completing the 96km Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
“It was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done,” she said of the 10-day journey.
“But being able to get out there and finish it, it makes you feel like you can achieve anything.”
Gearing up for the Invictus Games
RACHEL will represent Australia in the second annual Invictus Games.
Set up by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded and ill returned defence personnel, the games aim to use sport to inspire recovery, support and rehabilitation and promote a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
Rachel will compete against other international athletes in indoor rowing, power lifting, sitting volleyball and swimming.
She will be supported at the games by her daughter and her aunty, local woman Robyn Townsend.
“I’m aiming for a medal but even to get a personal best would be fantastic, either way I’ll be just excited to be there,” Rachel said.
The 2016 Invictus Games will run from May 8 to 12 in Orlando, Florida.
The Australian team is made up of 40 competitors, including 19 current serving defence personnel and 21 returned service men and women.