Talking about mental health can be difficult for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for veterans who have been conditioned to “soldier on” through expectations of mental toughness. This can be compounded by the significant identity shift that often comes with transitioning out of Defence.
In 2015, at just 18 years old, Paige joined the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). By 2017, she had qualified and gained experience at sea on frigates such as HMAS Anzac, Toowoomba, and Parramatta. Paige also deployed on HMAS Adelaide for INDO PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR and RIMPAC 18, where her interest in Amphibious Operations grew. This eventually motivated her to transfer to the Army in July 2020. Unfortunately, during Army Officer training, recurring fractures in her foot developed into a chronic injury, leading to her medical discharge from Defence in March 2022.
Paige’s journey towards mental health advocacy began in 2018 when she was diagnosed with PTSD three years after first experiencing symptoms following an incident in 2015. For years, she felt ashamed of her symptoms, seeing them as a weakness and worrying about the potential impact on her career if she sought help. This reluctance to reach out led her to suffer in silence until a serious mental health episode in late 2018 resulted in her hospitalisation and formal diagnosis. This marked the start of her healing journey.
Despite the diagnosis, Paige continued to grapple with the stigma and misconceptions surrounding her condition. It wasn’t until early 2023, after leaving Defence, that she fully committed to confronting her PTSD. Acceptance was key – both of her diagnosis and the need to be more open with herself and her loved ones. On the five-year anniversary of her hospitalisation, Paige decided to publicly share her story on social media as part of a fundraiser for Lifeline. Her message was clear: no one should feel alone, suffering in silence isn’t necessary, and seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.
Sharing her experience openly for the first time, Paige was overwhelmed by the positive response from her community. It was then that she realised her condition didn’t change how others saw her and didn’t diminish her strength. This moment was pivotal in her journey as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
For veterans, there is often a sense of being forgotten during quieter times when their struggles are out of the public eye. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has recently brought renewed attention to veterans’ mental health – a topic Paige regularly addresses on her social media. By sharing her experiences, she aims to make difficult conversations easier for others.
Even after a relapse in her PTSD and another serious mental health episode in July 2023, Paige remains committed to advocating for those navigating mental health challenges. She firmly believes that healing is not linear, and that accessing ongoing support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether dealing with physical or mental health conditions, seeking help makes you stronger and doesn’t prevent you from living a fulfilling life.
Paige’s participation in the Bondi to Manly 80km Ultra was driven by her desire to move forward from her injury and come to terms with her medical discharge. After two years of rebuilding her foot, she took on this challenge to prove that while her injury ended her Defence career, it doesn’t define her. Endurance events have since become a platform for Paige to raise both funds and awareness for mental health. Fully aware of the physical toll this event will take, she remains determined to complete it for herself and in support of Soldier On.
Supporting Soldier On was a natural choice for Paige. As a veteran who has lost colleagues and friends to suicide and has faced similar struggles herself, the mission of Soldier On deeply resonates with her. Through this event, Paige hopes to contribute to the vital work Soldier On does in supporting veterans and their families.
To support Paige’s fundraiser, click here: Soldier On – Bondi to Manly 80km Ultra for Soldier On.
