Veteran Wellbeing: Respond, Don’t React
Padre Stone with refugee women he met while serving in Israel and the Occupied Territories.
“We can have hard conversations about conflict, but let’s do it with respect, accuracy, and empathy.”
Trigger Warning: This post discusses the current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Territories and may be distressing for some readers.
By Padre Gary Stone, Veterans Care AssociationWhy This Matters Now
Over recent weeks, I’ve been hearing from veterans who are feeling deeply unsettled, even distressed, by the stream of posts, images, and commentary about the tragic situation in Israel and the Occupied Territories.
Some have told me the constant online debate is triggering powerful emotional responses, including suicidal thoughts.
Many of us have served in that region. We have seen its pain and complexity first-hand. Thousands of ADF veterans have been part of operations there over the past 77 years. For those with lived experience, some of the comments circulating on social media — especially from people who have never been there — can feel misinformed, unnecessarily inflammatory, or lacking compassion for the innocent people caught in the middle.
An Appeal for Care
Before you post, share, or comment, pause and ask yourself:
Will my words help or harm?
Am I sharing something factual and constructive, or something that could fuel division or distress?
Am I responding thoughtfully, or simply reacting in the heat of the moment?
We can and should talk about what’s happening. But let’s do it in a way that protects mental health, fosters understanding, and builds community rather than tearing it apart.
From My Own Experience
In 2006, I spent time studying in the region and met refugees living in poverty. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship stays with me to this day.
From what I’ve seen, the way forward must include:
A ceasefire
Release of hostages
Unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid
Withdrawal of combat forces
These are human beings, neighbours whom Jesus calls us to love.
Setting Boundaries Online
I welcome respectful conversation with those who have first-hand experience in the region. However, I will not engage with people who persist in sharing false or inflammatory propaganda. This is not to shut down discussion, but to protect the wellbeing of our veterans and maintain respectful dialogue.
“It’s not just about accuracy — it’s about the impact our words have on those who read them.”
If You’re Struggling
If this conflict and the online commentary surrounding it is affecting your mental health, please reach out. You are not alone.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Veterans Care Association is here to walk alongside you. Please contact us if you need peer support or simply someone to listen.
Padre Gary Stone, Veterans Care Association
