Sydney Morning Herald
Ian Hickie
August 13, 2015
However, the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder was almost twice as high in defence personnel at 8 per cent, instead of 4 per cent
49,900 veterans from all conflicts and former serving personnel have a mental health condition, new data shows.It's clear many of our war veterans are struggling with mental illness.
We are getting better at quantifying the problem; now we need a high-quality mental health system that can deliver the right treatment at the right time, backed by social services and community support that enable a veteran to resume a productive life in the civilian community.
New data from the Department of Veterans' Affairs shows about 49,900 veterans from all conflicts and former serving personnel have a mental health condition, of whom around 31,700 have a stress disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder. This includes many Vietnam veterans.
These conditions affect not just the individuals involved but also their wider circles of friends and families.
If it is not treated, it can lead to other problems including self-medication with alcohol and other drugs, depression and suicidal behaviour. The disorder can also have a long legacy, with research suggesting children of veterans can develop their own symptoms.
Treatment focuses on resolving the emotional impact of traumatic experiences through cognitive or behavioral therapies.
Recent research suggests other types of treatments, including mindfulness-based therapies, can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
This service is a legacy of the Vietnam War. Veterans lobbied for and won a specialized counseling and support service for themselves and their families.
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