13 October 2023
Yoga gives Elissa Youill respite from racing thoughts.
The Army Headquarters clerk suffers from anxiety.
“It helps me to shut off my mind and stops my heart racing when I think about my day,” Ms Youill said.
She recently transferred to Defence and was quick to get involved with weekly yoga held at Army Headquarters by physical training instructor Corporal Jamie Tomlinson.
“My old work was great but they couldn’t provide opportunities to exercise for us to take a break,” she said.
It took a year before she noticed the benefits.
Finding time to “switch off” was important for her long-term mental health.
“We live in a non-stop world, it’s hard to be still,” Corporal Tomlinson said.
“It’s really easy to dedicate your time to your job but it’s important to put a bit of time aside for yourself too.”
Corporal Tomlinson started yoga on World Mental Health Day last year and joined the dozens who took part in the lunchtime yoga on the Russell Offices lawns for World Mental Health Day (October 10) this year.
“Army Headquarters saw the potential and supported me getting qualified to lead classes,” he said.
Now Defence staff can be seen holding poses and meditating on the Russell lawns each week.
All Australians are encouraged to consider their mental health on World Mental Health Day and yoga was just one activity held at Russell this year.
Army veteran and Invictus Games gold-medal winner Ben Farinazzo spoke about his battle with PTSD, depression and anxiety after deploying to East Timor, his struggle and recovery.
After a decade serving in Army, Mr Farinazzo faced debilitating mental health issues and was hospitalised for a year.
After returning home, he suffered a severe mountain bike injury, fracturing his neck and back in five places.
He recovered over the next three years and represented Australia at the Invictus Games, winning two gold medals in indoor rowing.
Mr Farinazzo’s story was the centrepiece of a morning tea to promote discussion about mental health and the ways people can seek help.
The theme for 2023 was “Look after your mental health, Australia” focusing on awareness, belonging and connection.
Mental-health support is available for ADF personnel at Garrison Health Centres.
Telephone helplines are open 24/7, including the Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) on 1800 628 036.
Australian Public Service support is available through the Defence Employee Assistance Program and Beyond Blue.
More information can be found at the Defence Health and Wellbeing Portal.
