The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a new report that examines wellbeing outcomes such as employment status, income, education qualifications, housing circumstances, and social support for ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.
Summary extract:
“The unique nature of ADF service can enhance a person’s health and wellbeing; a phenomenon known as the ‘healthy soldier effect’. Military personnel are generally physically and mentally fit, receive regular medical assessments, and have access to comprehensive medical and dental treatment as a condition of service. Selection processes also mean they may be fitter than people in the broader Australian population when they enlist. However, ADF service increases the likelihood of exposure to trauma (either directly or indirectly) and affects support networks, for example, separation from family during deployment (Daraganova et al. 2018; Lawrence-Wood et al. 2019). These experiences mean some ex-serving ADF members may encounter challenges in everyday living above those of the Australian population, especially those who discharge involuntarily.
“Australia’s veterans may experience physical and mental health needs, outcomes and challenges that are different from the rest of the Australian population, including increased risks of mental illnesses, poorer physical health and impacts to general wellbeing following separation (or transfer) from the regular ADF service (Sadler, 2019). This can affect some people during the transition phase and their success of re-integration and employment after transition, and in the longer term with the later onset of chronic health conditions (Van Hooff et al. 2019).”
For the full report click here
