As we continue to celebrate Veterans’ Health Week and this year’s theme, Connect. Move. Nourish. Thrive 365, it’s time to focus on nourishment for our mind and body.
Mental health can impact on all areas of your life and so it is an essential part of being able to live a thriving life.
There are small, easy steps you can take every day to prioritise your mental health, ease stress and boost your mood:
- Get the sleep your body needs – because rest is a necessary reset.
- Spend time outdoors and soaking up fresh air – even a short walk can lift your mood.
- Take a moment for mindfulness – whether it’s breathing, meditation or simply noticing what you’re grateful for.
- Do something creative or personally fulfilling – whether it’s painting, gardening, journaling, playing music, or building something with your hands.
- Move your body in ways that feel good – stretching, walking, dancing, whatever gets you going.
- Fuel your brain and body with wholesome food – think of it as energy you can taste.
- Spend time with people who matter – family, friends, loved ones…connection is powerful.
Nourishing resources
- Browse a range of online tools to help you stay healthy, recognise signs of mental health challenges, and understand the support available to help you thrive.
- Check out a variety of self-help tools that incorporate mindfulness techniques such as breathing and muscle relaxation.
- See how rewarding activities such as being creative or caring for animals can have a healing and calming effect on the brain and body.
- Explore a range of healthy recipes or build your confidence in the kitchen with Cooking for One or Two program.
DVA support
DVA provides additional support for veterans and their families, including fully funded treatment for all mental health conditions for eligible veterans. Visit the Non-Liability Health Care page to learn more.
DVA’s Men’s Health Peer Education program is a national volunteer initiative that promotes healthy habits, early help-seeking, and shared responsibility for wellbeing. Find out more on the MHPE program page.
Today and every day, we encourage you to take some time to check in with yourself and your mental health.
DVA’s Veteran Support and Services Guide
This guide provides information about how DVA can assist veterans and their families to live and age well through a range of services and support. To browse the guide or download a copy, visit the Services Guide page on the DVA website.
Support is available
- In an emergency, call 000.
- Open Arms provides mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF and their immediate families. Call 1800 011 046 for free and confidential support, available 24/7.
- The ADF All-hours Support Line is a 24/7 confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families. Call 1800 628 036.
- Lifeline Australia provides access to 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.