Doomscrolling is the behaviour of dwelling in an endless feed of negative news stories and social media posts. Exposure to uncensored imagery and unreliable fake news has the potential to generate distress. Following the recent events in Afghanistan many of our people are vulnerable to this activity now more than ever, with the ongoing pandemic, lockdowns and resultant posting and family stressors.
Experiencing an emotional reaction is common during times of stress and uncertainty. Doomscrolling has a negative impact on mental health, triggering and worsening anxiety, stress, depression and panic. Having access to reliable information for personnel so they can acknowledge and understand potential responses can be useful. JHC have a prepared a range of mental health resources that can assist.
IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs care about the welfare of all personnel involved in the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry and are committed to ensuring there is access to support for individuals and their families.
ADF personnel and their families involved in, or affected by, the Afghanistan Inquiry are supported by their chain-of-command and also have access to a range of other assistance including mental health, medical, legal, pastoral and social work services. Former serving ADF personnel and their families involved in, or affected by, the Afghanistan Inquiry have access to support from DVA and Defence, who provide medical and mental health services, and in some cases, legal support.
For more information visit https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/
On 10 October 2017, Acting Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs and the Secretary of Defence Mr Greg Moriarty, launched the Defence Mental Health and Well-being Strategy 2018-2023.
This Strategy consolidates and builds on our experience and recognises out commitment to a whole or organisation approach to improving the mental health and well-being of all Defence personnel through their service in the ADF or as APS employees.
It acknowledges the similarities and unique elements of the ADF and APS workforce and recognises the need to distinguish the specific services and initiatives tailored to each. The strategic objectives apply to everyone in Defence but also reflect the specific and additional challenges posed by military service.
For a web accessibility copy of the document please contact mental.health@defence.gov.au
ADF Cadets now have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides free, confidential and professional counselling to help people resolve problems that may impact their life. For more information see Defence Employee Assistance Program.
Serving members that may have developed PTSD during or after their military service may be able to participate in a new clinical treatment trial known as the RESTORE Trial - Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery.
The RESTORE Trial is investigating one of the most effective treatments for PTSD - known as Prolonged Exposure (PE). Prolonged Exposure therapy is a gold standard evidence-based treatment best described as a type of trauma - focused cognitive behavioural therapy.
The trial is being held in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
For more information visit the RESTORE page.