Veterans face invisible wounds
A new series of online videos aims to bring more awareness to the mental health issues faced by serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The videos offer an insight into the experiences of veterans and sailors, soldiers, airmen and women, and their families post deployment.
A new series of online videos aims to bring more awareness to the mental health issues faced by serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, says the videos offer an insight into the experiences of veterans and sailors, soldiers, airmen and women, and their families post deployment.
“The pace of military operations has increased considerably over the past decade and we have seen some of the impact of this increase, along with the multiple deployments some members of the ADF undertake,” Mr Snowdon says. “This impact is not only felt by those who served, but also their family and friends,” he adds.
The series of videos feature servicemen and women, veterans and family members, including an Afghan war widow, sharing their experiences of dealing with issues from depression through to anxiety and loneliness.
The RSL earlier this year reported that more than a quarter of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ population have mental health illnesses, about half of which are accepted as being the result of military services.
Mental health problems include insomnia, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The RSL adds veterans are more likely than the general population to develop cancer, arthritis, chronic airways disease, and risk factors are also high for the development of Alzheimer’s.
Mr Snowdon hopes the video series starts a discussion among current and ex-serving communities on subjects that can be sensitive amongst these groups.
“We want to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, and talking openly to others about any problems you may be experiencing.
“Reaching out to others is not a sign of weakness, there are other people out there going through the same thing you are. The message out of all this is help is out there, and help can make a difference,” he urges.
The videos, produced by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), were launched last month by Mr Snowdon at the 2012 Ministerial Summit for Veterans’ Administration in Canberra.
View the videos online at the Department of Veteran Affairs YouTube channel or via its Facebook page.
