Veterans
“At that time, it was really only the Vietnam veterans that suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, not the young fellows. Not the young men and women who'd been on deployment overseas. I was totally in disbelief that it could actually happen to me….” Ben Farinazzo in the Holding on to Hope podcast
Service related injuries are not always visible
Veterans, both currently and previously serving, and their families face unique experiences during a military career, and in transitioning to civilian life.
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Signs that you or someone you care about may need support
Service and transition can impact many different parts of a person's life; mental health, wellbeing, physical health, family relationships, social connection, sense of self-worth and belonging, employment prospects, finances and housing.
Signs can include:
Feeling overwhelmed
Recurrent or persistent thoughts of past traumatic events
Relationship issues
Increased substance use to cope with difficult thoughts, memories or feelings
Feeling lonely or isolated
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling angry or irritable
Difficulty feeling joy or enjoyment
Feeling disconnected from others
Feeling as though the previous difficult or traumatic event/s is happening again
Thoughts of suicide
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days).
We are here to listen.
Support services
Open arms
Open Arms – Veterans & Family Counselling was founded by Australia's Vietnam veterans. It is a 24-hour support service providing counselling and support services to Australia’s military community and their families.
Australian Defence Force All-hours Support Line
The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a 24-hour confidential telephone service for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. The ASL can help you access ADF or civilian health services more easily such as psychology, medical, social work, and chaplain services.
RSL DefenceCare
RSL Defence Care provides free services to current and ex-servicing Defence personnel, family members, and spouses of veterans. They provide resources and support for DVA claims and appeals, employment, housing and accommodation, financial assistance, transport, community outreach and counselling.
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Department of Veteran’s Affairs aims to support those who serve or have served through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and support.
We're here for you
Get confidential one-to-one support from a trained Lifeline crisis supporter whenever you need.
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)