Honouring ANZAC Day: Veteran mental health support through grief, PTSD, & reintegration
- Amanda Lee
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
As we commemorate ANZAC Day, it's essential to reflect not only on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women but also on the ongoing challenges many face upon returning to civilian life. Issues such as veteran mental health support, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and the complexities of reintegration into the workforce and society are prevalent among veterans.
The ongoing mental health crisis among veterans
Recent data underscores the severity of mental health issues within the veteran community. Between 1997 and 2021, there were 1,677 certified deaths by suicide among Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who served since 1985. Alarmingly, ex-serving females are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general Australian population (1). These statistics highlight an urgent need for improved veteran mental health support across all stages of the post-service journey.
Support systems in place
Recognising these challenges, several veteran mental health support systems have been established:
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: Provides free, 24/7 counselling and support services to veterans and their families (2).
Veteran White Card: Offers access to fully funded mental health care for veterans, regardless of the condition's relation to service (3).
Veteran Wellbeing Grants (VWG): In the 2023–2024 round, $3.777 million was allocated to fund community-based projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families (4).
Areas needing attention
Despite these initiatives, gaps remain - Policy reform, increased funding and awareness and training:
There is a need to review and enhance national and state-level policies, particularly those that intersect with the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (5).
While current funding is a step in the right direction, more resources are necessary to expand and sustain veteran mental health support programs effectively.
Implementing targeted training programs can help employers understand and support the reintegration of veterans into the workforce.
Moving forward
As we honour the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans this ANZAC Day, let us also commit to supporting them in their journey back to civilian life. By addressing mental health challenges, providing robust veteran mental health support systems, and ensuring adequate funding and policies are in place, we can help our veterans lead fulfilling lives post-service.
Footnotes
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Serving and ex-serving ADF members who have served since 1985: suicide monitoring 1997 to 2021. AIHW Report ↩
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. https://www.openarms.gov.au ↩
Department of Veterans' Affairs – Veteran White Card. https://www.dva.gov.au ↩
Department of Veterans' Affairs – Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program. https://www.dva.gov.au ↩
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au ↩
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