141.I was GASLIT.

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Trigger Warning:</strong> The topic of Gaslighting is discussed in this episode. <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Gaslighting is a very sensitive topic to discuss for many and for some it can trigger intense emotions and thoughts. If you or anyone you know need mental health support, call FREE Veterans and Families counselling service Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or in an emergency 000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>*What is Gaslighting?</em></strong> Behaviours that can be used to undermine someone’s sense of self, sense of reality, and sense of confidence in their own perceptions of a situation and of a relationship, can cause a person to question their judgment, memory, self-worth, and overall mental health.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p>I’ve been trying to record this episode for a while now but to be honest, I’ve just felt so let down for myself and this community that I just couldn’t find the right words, which, for me, isn’t usual.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> So here goes….⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> Six months ago, I asked questions following an announcement of the “Enhancement and Expansion” of the Defence School Mentor Program and this is what happened.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> I was told I was focusing too much on the details.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> I was told there were bigger issues.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> I was told that maybe I should seek mental health support if I had been triggered.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> I was GASLIT.⁠<br /> ⁠<br /> On this episode of the Military Life Podcast;</p> <ul> <li>The story of what happened when I asked questions.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li>The deeper problems that, I feel, exist within the defence and veteran community when it comes to accessing information, openly voicing concerns or giving feedback.⁠</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li>What I learnt.<br /> ⁠</li> </ul> <p>For all the details about the DSM program o