PTSD Love Stories

"PTSD Love Stories is an engaging and beautifully realised account of PTSD, mainly from the perspective of the carers. Being made as a longitudinal documentary immeasurably adds to the nuance of the stories that it tells. Animation and evocative cinematography place the individual stories into context."

"The film bravely and intimately portrays the lived realities of those affected by PTSD, highlighting the urgent need for greater understanding and support. The documentary’s raw honesty is both heartbreaking and inspiring."

"Understanding carers is to understand the navigation, accommodation and compromises that PTSD demands, but also the support, championing, attunement and hope where carers excel. This is what PTSD Love Stories is about, and it was a beautiful and moving film for anyone to see."

"Witnessing the vulnerability and courage of the participants deepened my compassion and understanding of PTSD, while also shining a light on the often unseen yet extraordinary role of carers."

"As a mental health clinician who works with consumers, carers, and mental health clinicians, I can see the absolute value in bearing witness to these unique experiences to gain a better understanding of how PTSD impacts on carers and children. Everyone's story was unique and powerful, helping me and our community better understand the issues and hopefully reduce stigma and barriers for people who seek support."

"I really loved that there was an almost meta quality — where we were seeing the power of art, of making, of creating — having such an impact. There was a consistent thread of creativity running through all the stories, which I found incredibly compelling. And watching a documentary about this subject, it felt as though the film itself was part of that same creative force. I cried many times. Deeply emotional."

"Hearing about Australian families who are going through this… and I guess their perseverance, really — that's what I loved taking from it. It was just so beautifully shot and treated with such sensitivity. There was no way you couldn't be pulled into these families and be part of their life. I really loved that about it."

"I really didn't expect it to be so beautiful. And you know, we often focus on the person with mental illness, but we don't think enough about the carers. This was a really powerful way to understand what they go through. I feel like I should be nicer to the people around me. And I think you should watch it."

"It was really quite an honour to be here tonight, to watch this come about and learn how it's come about. I thought the film was incredible, by the nature of how long it took to produce and bring to the screen. I think it's a real testament to the process: the film was, for lack of a better word, engineered or sculpted around the people, as opposed to people having to move around the process. That in itself is really, really great to see. It can't be understated; people are putting themselves on the line, really showing themselves and the depths of what they've experienced. PTSD in this instance, and the capacity for that to really save people, and allow them to see and gain access to opening up for themselves… that is incredibly powerful."

"If I'm a bit teary tomorrow, it's because I've been hit with the incredible stories (especially from the mothers who not only cared for their partners while at the same time minimising the impact on their children) and powerful message from watching the PTSD Love Stories documentary."

"When I saw this film come out, I wanted her to be able to see it so that she could have some connection with other people who also care for their partners with PTSD, because it's been a really turbulent four years for us. We've just celebrated 13 years of marriage. And the last four of it I've had PTSD. So it's just really beautiful to have this film and really appreciate the great work. And for everyone being a part of it and sharing this story. Thank you."

"I didn't have an awareness until tonight of just how important the carers are in this. We focus on PTSD sufferers without any knowledge or awareness of their families, friends, loved ones. This film really opened my eyes. It invited us into the zone of the carers, shining the light on how they are so deeply affected. That's a special invitation, and I am deeply grateful."

"Through highlighting three warm, wise and funny women, this film shows just how much mental health carers give, and should help us all understand that the whole community needs to #CareForTheCarers."

"A beautiful and 
thought-provoking feature which demonstrates why our first responders and their family need understanding and support."

"A really beautiful and eye-opening film! It was our highlight of the week to attend the Community Premiere. A huge congratulations to the film participants, filmmakers and the entire crew, whose dedication has raised this important issue with honesty, courage and heart! Thanks to the many funders and sponsors whose support for this project is helping spread the message #CareForTheCarers."

“The father of my three children was a Vietnam veteran, and back then, we didn’t have the language or support to talk about what we were living through. Watching PTSD Love Stories brought back many memories, but it also gave me a sense of hope. I only wish a film like this existed when my kids were younger.

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It touches my heart very deeply in so many different ways and gives me a new life purpose.

The event has stirred up a lot in my 'backpack'. Thank you so much - I will continue to enjoy the 'journey'. ”