Report on hospitalisations for suicidality and self-harm released
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today released the Characteristics of ex-serving ADF members hospitalised for suicidality and intentional self harm report.
Commissioned by DVA, the report examines the characteristics of veteran presentations to public hospitals from 2010 to 2020 for conditions associated with suicidal behaviour, including mental health-related care, alcohol and other drug use, and intentional self-harm.
The report finds that:
- veterans are more likely to be admitted to hospital for suicidal behaviours compared to the general population.
- veterans are more likely to present to an emergency department for suicidal behaviours compared to the general population.
The Australian Government is committed to addressing the ongoing impact of ADF service on veterans, including providing tailored support for mental health care and increasing our understanding of risk factors for suicide among ex-serving members.
The Government spends $300 million on veteran mental health each year, which includes expenditure on services such as allied health, medications, mental health hospital admissions, and specialist medical services.
This report helps to further build understanding of suicidality and intentional self-harm among veterans. Its findings can help inform future policies and programs to better support veterans, including in considering the important work of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Help is available. Current and former serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service are eligible for fully funded mental health treatment through the Non-Liability Health Care program. Some reservists are also eligible.
Current serving personnel, veterans and their families who are struggling with their mental health are encouraged to reach out for support:
- veterans and their immediate families can access mental health support through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service. The free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 1800 011 046.
- Defence personnel can contact their local health centre, the All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
To read the findings of the report, visit AIHW reports