You may find that the Australian Government websites have comprehensive information and you may need a little help with navigating vital support, if you are a veteran and would like to speak to someone regarding your individual needs, AV Connect recommends that you contact the relevant departments: DVA Veteran Access Network (VAN) officer 1800 838 372 or in person at a DVA office, Medicare officer on 132011 or in person at the Services Australia Centres
AV Connect is not endorsed by the linked sites. When you press the link, you will be taken to the external owner of that site, we take no responsibility as to the accuracy or currency of information on those sites. We do not endorse any information, goods or services referred to within the sites and our provision of links should not be taken to be an endorsement. We do not charge a commission from the organisations, nor do we charge for the use of providing this service to Veterans and their families. Veterans and their families are encouraged to access DVA’s website to learn more about DVA's funded benefits, entitlements & health services as we do not provide any services ourselves via this website.
Attributed to: YouTubeWorld Health Organization (WHO) I had a black dog, his name was depression
https://youtu.be/XiCrniLQGYc : World Health Organization;2014. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. AV Connect Permissions 7/7/2022
You are NOT alone
Available to download free from the App Store and Google Play
Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognised
There are behaviors that may be signs a Veteran needs support.
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Hopelessness, feeling like there is no way out
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Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings
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Feeling like there is no reason to live
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Rage or anger
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Engaging in risky activities without thinking
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Increasing alcohol or drug use
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Withdrawing from family and friends
The presence of the following signs in a Veteran requires immediate attention:
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When asked, they express a desire to hurt or kill themselves
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When prompted, they reveal that they are looking for ways to kill themselves
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They talk about death, dying, or suicide
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They begin to exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as increased drug or alcohol use, talking about acquiring/using weapons for self-harm, and stockpiling medication
Ask the most important question of all – Are you thinking of harming yourself?
Read resources available from the below links from organisations that have special trained professionals to assist you in how to ask the taboo question.
Talk to your GP or another medical professional if you have been affected by the Veterans thoughts and behaviours.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Validate the Veteran's experience and encourage treatment and fast-track getting help
As you listen to the Veteran, ask him or her do the talking and use supportive, encouraging comments.
Let the Veteran know that you are listening and acknowledge his or her experience.
Talk openly about suicide – Be willing to listen and allow the Veteran to express his or her feelings
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Recognise the situation is serious
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Do not pass judgement
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Reassure them that help is available
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with a caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line for confidential assistance.
Operation Life APP
Available to download free from the App Store and Google Play
Beyond Blue
Blackdog Institute
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Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling 1800 011 046, or openarms.gov.au
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ADF All-hours Support Line 1800 628 036
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Lifeline 13 11 14, or lifeline.org.au
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Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
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MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 or mensline.org.au
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Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
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Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636, or beyondblue.org.au
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Black Dog Institute Support blackdoginstitute.org.au
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YARN an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support line 24/7 13 92 76 or 13yarn.org.au
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For information on support provided by DVA see:
You can contact your GP for a Mental Health Plan.
Check your eligibility here: mental health treatment plan
You can find a Health professional here:
'Talk to me': Improving mental health and suicide prevention in young adults
Learn strategies to help improve the mental health of young people in your life, recognise concerning behaviours, and feel better prepared to have conversations about mental health.
Anyone connected, or feels honoured to remember the sacrifice that Australian Veterans gave, or are giving to us, understands the high priority for preventing suicide amongst all Veterans.
It is also important to realise that not all Veterans will reach out, and may never, seek care within the Australian Mental Health Support systems.
As a civilian, Veteran or comrade of a Veteran, you can play a role in accomplishing Australia’s mission to combat suicide amongst our heroes, and there are many tools, programs, and support lines to reach out too.
You can discover suicide prevention resources to build networks of support among community-based organisations, Veterans Service Organisations, health professionals, and other members of your community.
It is now time that we all strengthen the defence qualities for Veterans,
as they do or have once done for us all.
Attributed to: YouTubeWorld Health Organization (WHO) Living with a black dog, his name was depression
https://youtu.be/2VRRx7Mtep8 : World Health Organization;2014. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. AV Connect Permissions 7/7/2022
