Managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What is PTSD
PTSD is a psychological disorder people may develop after experiencing traumatic events. Veterans generally experience PTSD at higher rates than the general population. You may develop PTSD as a result of critical incidents experienced during your military service.
Following trauma, it’s normal to feel some distress or change to your usual range of emotions and reactions. Most people recover within a few weeks with support from family, friends, or through formal debriefing. If these feelings continue for over a month, it might mean you are experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder.
The main symptoms of PTSD are:
- avoiding activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings associated with the traumatic event
- having negative or unwanted thoughts or feelings that make you feel flat, numb, afraid or angry
- feeling alert or wound-up, making it hard to sleep or concentrate
- re-experiencing the traumatic event through unwanted recurring memories or vivid nightmares.
DVA support for veterans
DVA provides veterans with access to fully funded treatment of all mental health conditions. This means you do not have to pay for your mental health treatment for as long as it is needed. You do not need to prove that your ADF service caused these conditions. We may cover these costs through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC).
Back to topGetting treatment
The two best places to start are your GP and Open Arms.
Your GP will talk with you to gain an understanding of what you have been experiencing. They will help you decide what treatment is best for you. They can refer you to a mental health professional or a trauma recovery program. They can prescribe medications if needed.
You can also touch base with Open Arms. Their staff understand veteran and military culture. They provide a range of specialised services:
- 24-hour free confidential, professional counselling
- peer support
- group treatment programs and workshops
- suicide prevention and resilience training
- crisis accommodation support
Visit the Open Arms website or call 1800 011 046
Back to topTrauma Recovery Program
Trauma Recovery Programs are provided by accredited contracted hospitals throughout Australia. These programs are available to veterans, current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who hold a current Veteran Gold Card or White Card and have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD.
Trauma Recovery Programs cover group and individual treatment and typically run from 4 weeks (full-time) to 12 weeks (part-time) depending on the hospital.
A health practitioner such as a Psychiatrist or GP can refer veterans to a Trauma Recovery Program if it is clinically appropriate. If you are interested in attending a Trauma Recovery Program please contact your health practitioner. You can also contact the hospitals directly to find out more information about their Trauma Recovery Program.
Trauma Recovery Programs are available in the following locations:
New South Wales
St John of God Hospital
North Richmond
Phone: (02) 4570 6100
Free Call: 1800 808 339
Website: www.sjog.org.au
Queensland
Buderim Private Hospital
Buderim
Phone: (07) 5430 3305
Website: https://buderimprivatehospital.com.au
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Greenslopes
Phone: (07) 3394 7111
Website: www.greenslopesprivate.com.au
Townsville Private Clinic
Townsville
Phone: 07 4431 1600
Website: www.townsvilleprivateclinic.com.au
South Australia
Jamie Larcombe Centre
Glenside
Phone: 1300 043 175
Website: Jamie Larcombe Centre - Veterans Mental Health Precinct
Victoria
The Geelong Clinic
St Albans
Phone: (03) 5240 0700
Website: www.thegeelongclinic.com.au
Western Australia
Hollywood Clinic
Nedlands
Phone: (08) 9346 6801
Website: https://www.ramsaymentalhealth.com.au/hollywood
The Marian Centre
Wembley
Phone: (08) 9380 4999
Website: www.mariancentre.com.au
Support for families
If you're supporting a family member who's living with PTSD, you can get help for yourself through Open Arms.
They can provide free confidential counselling to help you understand and better support your veteran family member. They can also help you to look after your own mental health and wellbeing.
Visit the Open Arms website or call 1800 011 046
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