The transition period from military to civilian life is quickly becoming recognised as one of the most significant and stressful periods in the life of military members worldwide.
Almost 3 in 4 Transitioned Australian Defence Force members are estimated to have met criteria for a mental disorder at some stage in their lifetime that is either, prior to, during or after their military career.
Just over 20 per cent of Transitioned ADF have experienced suicidal ideations, plans or attempts in the last 12 months.’ – Mental Health Prevalence Report, 2018.
Soldier On provides in-house, evidence-based psychology treatments to Defence personnel and veterans who have been impacted by their service to Australia. These services are also available to their family members, including partners, children, parents, and siblings.
Our psychologists are highly-skilled and trained to work with Defence personnel. Many have specific experience working with those affected by trauma.
Soldier On’s psychologists can help you with:
- Transition from defence to civilian life
- Impact of deployment, separation, relocation and family integration
- Complex trauma, PTSD and stress-related issues
- Mood disorders, such as depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
Services are available via Tele-Health with video or telephone link-ups. We are also offering Tele-health group sessions for support with stress management, parenting, relationships and mental health support. Psychology sessions will again be available face-to-face in most of our major office regions post COVID-19.
“For the first time in a long time I started to feel like I might just be able to bring down the walls I had built to keep the world out.” – NSW Participant.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
You can self-refer for our mental health support services which are free and confidential. Our Psychologist’s will take you through our confidentiality agreement before you start your sessions.
OTHER WAYS WE PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
As well as psychology sessions, Soldier On offers a number of other services that indirectly assist the mental health support of Defence personnel, veterans, and their family members. Many of our social connection activities and programs have been chosen to help Defence personnel and families overcome the impacts from their service.
Defence personnel, veterans, and family members have benefited from attending sailing days, art classes, yoga classes, writing classes, our ‘Surf Therapy’ Program, and coffee catch ups.
Find out more about our social activities and programs and our new online initiative the Connect Hub to help support you better and keep you connected with Soldier On whilst we are face the challenges of social distancing due to COVID-19.
RESOURCES/LATEST NEWS
5 Resources to support Mental Health during COVID-19:
- Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health article.
- Read about the PTSD Coach Australia support App – or download free from your mobile phone app store.
- Tips for maintaining mental health during COVD-19 from the Australian Psychological Society.
- Online digital Mental Health Resources: Head to Health.
- Tips for supporting families’ mental health during COVID-19 from the Child Mind Institute.
CRISIS SUPPORT
If you, or someone you know need immediate help, please contact one of the following crisis lines:
OPEN ARMS offers free services with counsellors and has a 24-hour contact number in case you need assistance outside of business hours. Open Arms is contactable on 1800 011 046.
BEYOND BLUE can be contacted for support any time of the day or night and provide one-on-one chats with trained mental health professionals. Their number is 1300 22 4636.
LIFELINE provides crisis support and suicide prevention services and is contactable on 13 11 14.