Self Harm and Suicide: Review of Services in the ADF

Australia’s defence community must change its culture and end negative stereotypes about mental health to ensure members and veterans get the help they need, a national report has found.

The National Mental Health Commission has released a review of suicide and self-harm by veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and made 23 recommendations. Some aspects of  Defence culture are reinforcing negative stereotypes about mental health, the commission's chief executive Dr Peggy Brown said. The report also revealed that many ADF members and veterans have not sought assistance because they fear doing so may restrict their career opportunities.

National Mental Health Commission. (2017). Review of Services Available to Veterans and Current Serving Members of the Australian Defence Force in Relation to the Prevention of Self-harm and Suicide.