This year ANZAC commemorations has seen a landmark moment in the country’s understanding of war, trauma and mental health, as families of First World War soldiers see long-overdue recognition for loved ones lost to suicide.

Marie Campbell, whose great-uncle Michael Murray was among 12 soldiers of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company who were formally acknowledged as casualties of war more than 110 years after World War One ended. The recognition marks a significant shift in how the psychological toll of war is understood and commemorated.

Murray, who served as a tunneller in France, returned home after enduring harsh and dangerous conditions, only to take his own life on the eve of Anzac Day in 1931. At the time, his death was not formally linked to his wartime experiences. Today, it is recognised as a consequence of what would now be understood as post-traumatic stress.

For Campbell, the acknowledgment has been both emotional and restorative. She described uncovering her great-uncle’s story through family keepsakes, including postcards and small personal items, which revealed a caring man deeply connected to his family. His role as a supportive figure became especially important after the death of his sister’s husband during the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Campbell said the official recognition removes decades of silence and stigma, replacing them with honour and validation. She believes it reflects a broader societal shift toward acknowledging the lasting mental health impacts of war, not just the physical injuries.

This weeks episode also featured callers sharing personal experiences of loss, trauma and suicide, reinforcing the enduring relevance of these issues. Psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald emphasised that conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder often emerge after soldiers return home, when the immediate need for survival has passed.

Campbell noted that earlier generations often avoided discussing such pain, but greater openness today can support healing and understanding. Stories like her great uncle Michael Murray’s are prompting a more nuanced reflection on service and sacrifice, one that recognises not only those who died in battle, but also those who carried invisible wounds long after returning home.