Losing battle for help with mental illness
RACHEL RILEY, Townsville Bulletin August 16, 2016
A TOWNSVILLE veteran who told of his struggle to seek adequate medical help after leaving the Army has taken his own life after a long battle with mental illness.
Christopher Stiles, a veteran of East Timor and former member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, died in Townsville on August 3.
His funeral was held at Lavarack Barracks on Sunday and was attended by devastated family, friends, former colleagues and veterans as well as 3rd Brigade Commander Brigadier Chris Field and retired Lieutenant General John Caligari AO, DSC.
The sad farewell was on the same day it was revealed a News Corp Australia investigation found 41 defence personnel and veterans had taken their own lives this year alone – the same number of lives lost in combat during 13 years of the war in Afghanistan.
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If you need help contact Lifeline -13 11 14, the Defence All Hours Support Line – 1800 628 036, or Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Services – 1800 011 046.