Supporting our veteran community

The latest situation in Afghanistan has significantly impacted the veteran community and their families. Particularly younger veterans who served or had mates who served in the 20 year operation in Afghanistan.

For the majority of current serving Australian Defence Force members, a large portion of the last decade has been spent supporting operations in the Middle East. Deployment in this theatre has shaped military careers, and at times cost time with family and friends.

Of greater impact, is that many may have lost friends or colleagues, Australian and otherwise, in support of the mission. Given this, the drawdown announcement from the Government may have led to certain feelings arising from Australian Defence Force members.

There are no ‘right or wrong’ reactions and some veterans may not feel greatly impacted by the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. For those who are finding themselves impacted, some common reactions may include, disappointment, guilt, anger, or grief. All of these feelings can cause varying levels of distress and discomfort.

Pip Weiland, Director, South Queensland Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling, said Open Arms are working to meet client’s needs.

“2020 and 2021 have been incredibly difficult as a result of the Brereton Report, COVID-19, and the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

“For those reasons, the veteran community has been readily accessing Open Arms at a much higher level than we have seen in the past. The confronting images coming out of Afghanistan may result in greater help-seeking behaviour from veterans in the coming months.

“Our message to veterans and their families who may be impacted is simple – we are here for you.”

While mainstream media reports coming out of Afghanistan have reduced, the issues and complexity of operations in that region will affect our serving and veteran community for many years to come.

As a GP or healthcare provider you are connected to the veteran community and their families. It is important to support veterans now and in the future, providing them with quality, empathetic healthcare.

What support is available?

Veterans may seek support or services from your practice for a variety of conditions, including mental health issues. It is important, as their supporting GP or healthcare provider, to know what services are available to them to offer support and information.

Open Arms
Open Arms provide veteran and family counselling services to individuals, couples and families. They operate an information and advice hotline (1800 011 046) and anonymous and free counselling through Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072). Both hotlines operate 24/7.

Mental Health Support GP Hotline
The DVA Practitioner Support Service is a free nationwide service, funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to provide expert multidisciplinary support and guidance to health practitioners working with veterans with mental health problems. The DVA Practitioner Support Service involves the Health Professionals Advice Line, GP Advice Line, and the General Advice Line. Please call 1800 VET 777 (1800 838 777) for more information or visit the website.

Mates4Mates
Support for the veteran community including social connection activities, physical rehabilitation and wellbeing, psychological services, and skills for recovery programs. Consider a referral for psychological therapy to Mates4Mates under a DVA White or Gold Card or a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Referrals can be faxed through to the Brisbane Family Recovery Centre on 07 3493 6202. More information can be found on the Mates4Mates website.

Pain Program for Veterans
GO2 Health and QPain have designed and implemented a pain program targeted at veterans needs. The program offers improved physical and psychological outcomes. It also gives veterans the chance to take control of their pain, reduce their medication dependence, and improve their management of pain with co-existing psychological conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety. It is suitable for all veterans suffering with chronic pain, regardless of whether they have recently been discharged or transitioned many years prior.

This program runs two full days per week for six weeks and is fully funded by the DVA.

For more details, please contact program director Damon Kerns-Stokes at GO2 Health on 07 3355 5540 or damon.kerns-stokes@go2health.com.au.