Lessons On Culture & Support from My Broken Soldier
Karen and Matt Page have walked through some tumultuous times together—times that tested their marriage, their family, and their resilience. Their story began when Matt, a member of the Australian Defense Force, suffered a traumatic brain injury during deployment. But the accident was only the beginning of their battle. The challenges that followed—mental health struggles, the strain on their relationship, and navigating a system that offered little support—became the real test of endurance.
My Broken Soldier became a beacon for other families facing similar struggles. Now, Karen and Matt have made it their mission to ensure that others in their situation get the support they need—sooner and more effectively.
When the System Fails
One of the hardest parts of Karen and Matt’s story is the systemic failures they encountered. Leadership and accountability are supposed to be pillars of military life, yet they found themselves abandoned by the very institution meant to support them. After Matt’s accident, it took seven months for him to receive the rehabilitation he needed. The delays and lack of ownership exposed a critical flaw: when bureaucracy overrides human well-being, those in need are left to struggle alone.
This isn’t just their story—it’s a reality for many veterans and their families. The system often fails those who sacrifice the most, and without strong, compassionate leadership, even the most disciplined organizations can fall short.
The Long Road to Healing
Healing after trauma isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s a mental and emotional process that requires ongoing effort. Matt compared it to maintaining a car: you have to keep working on it.
After rebuilding his physical strength, he soon realized that true recovery meant facing deeper wounds—the loss of his career, identity, and sense of purpose. The military had structured every part of his life, and leaving it behind was like stepping into the unknown. In an attempt to regain control, he opened a coffee shop. It highlighted a challenge many veterans face: reintegrating into a world that doesn’t understand the military mindset.
He later transitioned into offshore security, a more familiar environment. But as his frustration grew and his mental health declined, he and Karen made a life-changing decision: prioritizing his well-being over everything else. That meant working with specialists, undergoing therapy, and making a conscious effort to heal. For Matt, healing meant becoming the best partner for Karen, the best father for his kids, and the best version of himself. It was about moving forward, one step at a time.
Opening The Doors through My Broken Soldier
For years, Matt and Karen kept their struggles private. Now, they share their story openly because they know how important it is to speak up. They want others to understand that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a step toward healing.
Karen’s book, My Broken Soldier, sheds light on the resilience it takes to rebuild after trauma. Through their advocacy, Karen and Matt hope to reach three key groups:
Defense families who may feel alone in their struggles
Civilians who may not fully understand the challenges military families face
Anyone navigating mental health challenges, whether personally or as a supporter
The Cost of Service
The military isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. A small percentage of people step up to face challenges most of us never will, and society depends on them. But the true test isn’t just in the battles they fight—it’s in ensuring they have the support to face everything that comes after.
For some, like Matt, the military was more than a career—it was his identity. When an accident ended his ability to deploy, it wasn’t just a physical injury; it shattered his sense of self. Too often, soldiers are sent into combat before they’re mentally prepared, and when they struggle, the system isn’t always there to catch them.
Conversations with veterans reveal a harsh truth: many of their battles remain unseen. Alongside physical injuries, mental health struggles often go unnoticed, leaving them feeling invisible. This isn’t just an individual issue—it’s systemic, as Matt and Karen discovered. The growing number of affected families underscores the urgent need for better mental health care, stronger leadership accountability, and open, honest discussions about what soldiers endure.
For military families, the challenges extend beyond the battlefield. For Karen, the hardest part was the constant fear of losing Matt before they could start a family. The stress was overwhelming, and despite their hopes, pregnancy wasn’t happening. Even after their child was born, a new fear took hold—the worry that Matt might not come home, missing the chance to be there for their child.
Fighting for Change
Matt and Karen’s mission is to push for improved mental health support, greater leadership accountability, and a shift in how the military supports its people. Through My Broken Soldier, they’ve been able to:
Raise awareness about veteran mental health challenges
Advocate for policy changes to improve support systems
Create a network of resources for defense families facing similar struggles
Their journey isn’t over, but their impact is undeniable. They’re fighting for every service member who feels abandoned, every veteran struggling in silence, and every leader who wants to make a difference but needs the right tools to do so.
Mental Health and the Power of Support
For many military families, the transition to civilian life feels like stepping into an entirely different world. Reintegration isn’t just a personal challenge—it’s a collective effort. One of the biggest hurdles is navigating the complex web of available support. Despite resources like Open Arms, Soldier On, and the RSL, many defense families struggle to find the help they need.
Matt and Karen experienced this firsthand while writing their book. They quickly realized how fragmented these services are, making it difficult for families to access the right support at the right time. Now, their mission is to bridge those gaps, streamlining access to critical resources so military families get the help they deserve.
But their work goes beyond providing resources—it’s about driving cultural change. Too often, those in leadership forget where they came from, losing sight of the daily struggles service members and their families endure. True leadership means more than just holding a title—it requires acknowledging these challenges, taking responsibility, and committing to real solutions.
Matt and Karen have seen firsthand how deeply mental health is woven into culture—whether in the military, workplaces, or families. In highly structured environments like the military, many carry invisible burdens, and too often, their struggles go unnoticed. Like culture, mental health is invisible but profoundly powerful. The real challenge is making it seen—helping leaders and communities recognize these struggles and take meaningful action.
HOPE: Help One Person Every day
At the heart of Matt and Karen’s journey is a message of hope. Supporting someone through mental health struggles takes strength, but it also requires balance. Too often, partners stay out of guilt, sacrificing their own well-being in the process. The reality is, healing requires effort from both sides—both must be willing to fight for recovery.
Karen lives by the mantra HOPE: Help One Person Every day. Small acts of kindness—a simple smile, a helping hand—can make an enormous difference. We never know what battles someone is facing, and even the smallest gesture can bring light into their darkest moments.
For Matt, breaking the stigma around mental health is a mission. Strength isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about being vulnerable enough to ask for help. Real resilience comes from facing struggles head-on and seeking the support needed to heal.
One person who truly made a difference for them was Peter Goom. He wasn’t just a caseworker—who they considered a lifeline during their healing journey and fight for rights. His unwavering support reminded them that even in the toughest battles, no one should have to fight alone.
Leadership Lessons to Remember
Matt and Karen Paige are extraordinary individuals dedicated to making a real impact. Their honesty, strength, and commitment to mental health advocacy shine through in My Broken Soldier and the work they continue to do.
Through their journey, Matt and Karen exemplify three key leadership lessons:
Leaders are Driven by Improvement - Matt and Karen are committed to leaving the world better than they found it. True leaders continuously seek growth—not just for themselves but for those around them.
Leaders Face Challenges Head-On - Life has thrown unimaginable hardships their way, yet they’ve never chosen the easy road. Their resilience proves that great leadership is about confronting adversity with courage.
Investing in People Builds Lasting Connections - One of the most powerful parts of their story is their IVF journey. And their unwavering connection, support for each other, and perseverance led them to where they are now.
If you would like to learn more about Matt and Karen’s story, you can listen to the full podcast episode here: Lessons On Culture & Support from My Broken Soldier
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