DRUMMING PROGRAM HELPS WAR VETS.
Drumming program helping Vietnam veterans affected by PTSD
BY JAMES HANCOCK / abc news online
MON AUG 15 13:18:14 EST 2016
A groundbreaking study in suburban Melbourne is using simple drum beats to help Vietnam veterans heal the emotional scars of combat.
Key points:
Program improving mental health of participants, researchers say
Study is the first of its type
Researchers will use results to lobby for funding for drumming programs
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966 — the day chosen to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.
More than 500 Australians were killed and more than 3,000 wounded in the ultimately unsuccessful battle to stop communist forces from capturing South Vietnam.
Many veterans turned to alcohol to cope with the psychological damage caused by one of Australia's longest-running wars.
More than five decades on, the first study of its type in Australia is using group drumming to assist veterans to live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
'Statistically significant' mental health improvement
PhD candidate James Richmond started a drumming group at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne's north-east late last year.
He said he had observed a "statistically significant improvement" in the participants' psychological wellbeing.
"What we're hoping to do is demonstrate that this is a really powerful program that can work as an adjunct to good solid psychological therapy," he said.
Mr Richmond said part of the success of the program was down to the strong bonds formed between participants.
Veteran Tim Woods served in Vietnam in 1969 when he was 23 years old.
Veterans participate in group drumming session for PTSD
PHOTO Researchers say the study's participants have formed strong bonds.
ABC NEWS
Now aged 70, he said that — like other veterans — he had tried to suppress his PTSD symptoms for decades.
"I knew I was angry about a lot of things, not the least of which is my local RSL didn't want me as a member," he said.
"At one stage I was involved with a bunch of guys who formed the Nollamara Hells Angels in Perth."
He said he looked forward to the group drumming sessions as a way to relax.
'I feel so much happier'
Another participant, Peter Versluys, 68, celebrated his 20th birthday in Vietnam.
He said PTSD had a debilitating impact on his professional life as he always seemed to have "the cart before the horse".
Early in his career, he had to work harder than others to complete tasks. Later, he struggled with long hours.
"I don't know how to put it into words. I just know that when I'm playing the drums in a group like this, I feel so much happier," Mr Versluys said.
Veterans use group drumming to combat PTSD
PHOTO Veterans groups say early intervention is important in treating PTSD.
ABC NEWS: JAMES HANCOCK
Bob Elworthy, the Victorian president of the Vietnam Veterans Association, said the veterans' experience with PTSD showed the importance of early intervention.
"Soldiers will come home with trauma-related mental health issues," he said.
"The quicker they're dealt with ... the better the chance is to rehabilitate the individual and to give him or her the skills to deal with that mental health issue."
Two other drumming groups have since been formed and include emergency service workers.
The study's final results will be used to lobby for ongoing funding for drumming programs.
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