Mental health support ‘eases’ veterans
Veterans and Australian Defence Force seeking mental health support will benefit from a new web portal developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and launched by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.
Veterans and Australian Defence Force seeking mental health support will benefit from a new web portal developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and launched by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.
“The new ‘At Ease’ portal offers pathways to achieving mental fitness and resilience, self-help tools, access to professional support, treatment options, healthy drinking and clinical information for GPs and mental health professionals,” Minister Snowdon said.
“It provides a gateway to a series of mental health related videos, smartphone apps and a raft of hard copy resources that promote self help and awareness of behaviours that may be damaging to individuals, families, friends and work prospects,” he added.
With Anzac Day approaching, Mr Snowdon said it was a timely reminder for all members of the veteran and defence communities to seek help if they need it.
“Our veterans and service personnel are some of the most resilient people in the country. But they are not immune to the effects of their work – their mental health can suffer.
“The key message is: don’t suffer in silence,” Minister Snowdon said.
Eligible serving or ex-serving defence personnel, or their families, who are concerned about their mental health should visit www.at-ease.dva.gov.au or call the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service (VVCS) on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and support 24 hours a day.
