Researchers at Flinders University and La Trobe University have expressed concern about approaches to care and well-being for veterans once they leave service.
Researchers say that too much emphasis is being placed on psychiatric and psychological support and medical interventions for mental health care, and not enough is done to ensure veterans have basics such as a home, a job, and a support network.
“One of the most significant challenges for our veterans is the transition process when they leave service. This is an opportune moment to identify any challenges and put in place proper supports as they re-enter civilian life,” says Professor Ben Wadham from The Open Door Initiative.
“The concern we have is that the current transition service has an overwhelming focus on traditional methods of treatment for mental health but little or no support for the other areas that contribute to quality of life.
“By providing resources like housing, employment and education, as well as mental health services, we can help set them up for a healthy and happy life after service.
“If veterans leave service and have nowhere to live, no employment or no support network this will exacerbate any mental health issues they have,” he says.
The study reviewed the current research and methods used to support Australian military veterans’ psychological, physical and social well-being – and the results raise serious concerns.
“Many of the current programs and services for veterans haven’t been designed with the veterans’ own experiences and needs in mind but instead rely heavily on treating symptoms like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without considering other factors at play,” says Professor Wadham.
“Social, organisational, and environmental factors play a huge role in a successful transition into civilian life alongside mental health factors.
“We want to see a greater diversity of approaches to veteran health to deliver holistic tailored programs in a more meaningful way.
“As a nation we seem to be underestimating the challenges of rehabilitation into the community. We need to be mindful of how institutionalised veterans can become whilst in service, and that the transition back into the community can be very difficult,” he says.
