Keeping mental health in mind
If life is getting you down, the ADF can help, reports Andrew Stackpool.

Air Force members of AFG present arms during the playing of the National Anthem during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney this year.

Photo by LAC Alan Bencke.

DO YOU think that you are living, working and generally just being as well as you could be?

Are there any issues, including problems with readjustment to life at home after recent deployments, that you think may be affecting your ability to be your best?

Are you concerned that perhaps some of your mates may need some help adjusting?

The Directorate of Mental Health is continuing its efforts to provide the best psychological assistance it can to members and has announced some new initiatives to support this.

A new handbook on healthy living is to be published shortly. The Well Being Handbook is a comprehensive guide for members and their families on issues such as financial planning, stress management, spiritual well-being, diet, relationships and relocation.

It was previewed at the second Defence mental health conference, conducted by the Directorate from June 2-3.

The conference also introduced two new programs to enhance the mental health of ADF members.

The programs are the Coming Home Readjustment Program (CHRP) and Keep Your Mates Safe Program.

In her keynote address, NSW Mental Health Director Emeritus Professor Beverley Raphael commended the ADF’s responses to the Aceh tsunami disaster and the Bali bombing.

She said that with the introduction of the Mental Health Strategy the ADF was leading the way in the area of disaster response.

“You should be proud of your programs, particularly in the area of mental health support to operations and natural disasters,” she said.

In her address, “Terrorism and Disasters”, Professor Raphael, who is a leading expert in traumatic stress, emphasised the role of forensic dentists and the disaster victim identification process in assisting families.

She highlighted the necessity of planning processes for response, early intervention, coordination, and control and support to families following a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

National RSL President Major General Bill Crews, retired, spoke about the unique needs of veterans. He reiterated that mental health support through all stages of a serving member’s career is essential.

Also, he said that the ADF’s mental health initiatives should help in ameliorating the psychological costs of service life and operations on a veteran’s mental health over the long term.

“It is important that when someone leaves the Defence Force they do so as a whole person,” he said.

In support of his statements, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provided an update on its LINKS program, which is designed to assist both serving and past members with any health or compensation issues.

The LINKS program includes the integration of Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Services into DVA, making it a “one stop shop”.

DVA believes this will simplify prompt processing of claims and service.

 

Where you can find help

The Coming Home Readjustment program is a one-day life skills development program that can be rolled out in units whose members may be experiencing difficulties readjusting to a return to routine military activities following a deployment.

Topics covered include anger management, communications, sleep management and substance use. It is a highly interactive and informative program designed to build an individual’s resilience and life skills.

The Keep Your Mates Safe program is a safe drinking program from the DMH Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service. Under the program, you, the consumer of alcohol, take responsibility for yourself and your mates.

It has been trialled in South Australia and Queensland and Defence personnel provided novel suggestions for safe drinking behaviour. These included free soft drink alternatives, reduced opening hours at bars and clubs, and safe cars or “booze” buses.

It’s all about your rights and looking out for each other.

Units interested in finding out more about the CHRP or Keep Your Mates Safe programs should contact DMH. Points of contact are Major Julie Pert or Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Hodson.

More information on the Mental Health Strategy and DMH programs is available at the web site, www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dhs.

 

 

.