Dating back to the American Civil War, music therapy has been used to treat veterans.
Guitars for Veterans Australia provides a therapeutic alternative to struggling veterans through the healing power of music and community.
One of those veterans is Daniel Bridges, who found it hard to find his identity after leaving the military.
Searching for ways to fit in, he obtained help from organisations but still found things difficult until discovering Guitars for Veterans.
“It took me years to feel okay,” Mr Bridges said.
“I was going through a real rough time four years ago, and found out about the program through a therapist.
“It helps, waking up and playing the guitar, not reaching for the other vices.”
Posted to the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Mr Bridges did a tour in Afghanistan in 2012 but, after returning, found it hard fitting in.
Jobs in retail and hospitality didn’t provide the same level of fulfilment that Army did.
“It’s a job like no other. When you’re a soldier you have a certain identify, you become that identity,” he said.
“Guitars for Veterans popped up and I thought, that’s something I can add to my tool kit.”
Now on his third guitar, Mr Bridges keeps in touch with charity founder David Cox, who has supported him to get singing lessons.
Mr Cox was inspired by Guitars for Veterans in America and began an Australian chapter.
He left the military and went into commercial life, but others didn’t have such an easy transition.
“People I served with didn’t really have that same experience, so this is a way for me, who likes music and had that good experience, to give back,” Mr Cox said.
Guitars for Veterans Australia secures guitars from donations, with each veteran who joins the program receiving one.
Since starting in 2017, more than 350 veterans have participated in the 10-week syllabus. Up to five at a time progress through the course.
“It changes their outlook on life, and they say that it opens a window of serenity in their head,” Mr Cox said.
“For some, it’s a place of retreat and relief and gives an avenue to express themselves.”
With five one-hour lessons, participants are able to understand the guitar and play basic chords. Those willing to continue can undertake a masterclass.
A Deakin University research paper supports the claim that music therapy helps to improve the mental health of veterans and alleviates PTSD symptoms. It found song-writing lowererd PTSD symptoms by 33 per cent over four weeks and decreased depression.
The study found short-term music therapy attention and arousal regulation treatment helps people with PTSD feel more independent in their recovery and reduces stress anxiety.
Mr Cox said once they had more veterans playing, he would like to work with local RSLs on jam sessions.
The charity released an album titled Where Words Fail, Music Speaks in 2018, featuring songs from veterans-turned-artists.
“Hopefully we will be able to invite artists to come in, teach and inspire with their music,” Mr Cox said.
“We have been helping vets with song-writing. Long term, we would love to release an album with our own Guitars for Veterans artists being recognised.”
To find out more, or join the program, visit www.guitarsforvetsaustralia.com
