Accessing evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder
A message from Phoenix Australia
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the second most common mental health condition in Australia, and rates of PTSD are substantially elevated among Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel compared with the general population. Effective, evidence-based treatments for PTSD are available, however recent research indicates about half of those suffering with PTSD do not get treatment.
The decision to seek treatment can be a difficult one, and there are many reasons why people may struggle to reach out for the help and support they need, including shame, stigma, cost, uncertainty where to start, or negative beliefs about psychological treatment.
If you or your family member are experiencing symptoms relating to their mental health, these tips and resources may assist you in reaching out for effective care.
Information and resources about mental health conditions and self-care
Understanding and identifying the symptoms of PTSD and other mental health disorders can often be the first step to making sense of what is happening for you or your family member. The Phoenix Australia website provides information to help you identify the symptoms of different mental health disorders and options for treatment.
The website also provides information on practical strategies you can put in place to help you cope with distressing emotions and stay connected with others following exposure to a traumatic event. The Helping Others webpage provides information for family members of individuals affected by trauma on how to support their loved ones following a traumatic event.
Accessing support
Reaching out to a professional to discuss your concerns about your mental health can be challenging, and knowing where to begin is often difficult. The ‘Mental health support services’ page of the DVA website outlines options for those who have served with the ADF to receive free mental health care, including how to access care through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling.
If you feel unsure about where to seek help or want to explore your options, your GP can help you determine which treatment option might be best for you and provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan to facilitate access. HealthDirect, an Australian Government health information initiative, provides information on choosing the right GP for you, how to start the conversation about mental health with your GP, and what your GP might ask you when you start talking about your mental health.
How to talk to someone you are concerned about
Often, those around us can be first to recognise when we are struggling with our mental health. If you are concerned about the mental health of someone you care about, this comprehensive fact sheet on mental health and wellbeing following military service can help you to facilitate a conversation with your loved one.
Are you a practitioner working with veterans?
Practitioners can seek further guidance by accessing the DVA Practitioner Support Service – a free, nationwide service that provides expert multidisciplinary support and advice for individuals and organisations working with Australian veterans with mental health problems. Submit an online enquiry, call us on 1800 838 777, or get in touch via practitioner-support-service [at] unimelb.edu.au (email.)