by Victoria Irvine
Every October Defence and DEFGLIS focus on Mental Health awareness and the theme for 2015 is Taking Action.
This year I would like to encourage open and honest discussion about mental health issues, and to promote awareness of the range of support services available to members and their families.
In Australia, LGBTI people have poorer mental health outcomes and higher rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide than the rest of the population.
As a health care provider this concerns me because the specific mental health needs of LGBTI people may go beyond mainstream initiatives and mainstream healthcare.
It only takes one negative health care experience to create a barrier to seek out mental health services that Defence offers its personnel.
The fear of discrimination or exclusion can add to feelings of shame or embarrassment because of the stigma surrounding mental health.
If you or your family need some assistance, I encourage you to seek help early.
If you don’t need help, ask yourself whether your mates or the quiet person at work might need encouragement to seek assistance.
Everyone can contribute to maintaining the mental health and wellbeing of our fighting teams., including individuals, peers, leaders and commander/managers and families.
The Defence health and well being portal ‘Fighting Fit’ is accessible from home or mobile device at www.defence.gov.au/Health/HealthPortal/.
A comprehensive list of mental health services is provided, including Veterans and Veterans Family Counselling Service (VVCS). Advice for commanders in their approach to providing appropriate support to members.
Our own website includes a list of specialist LGBTI community based providers (via the LGBTI Health Alliance) of mental health services which can supplement those currently provided by Defence for LGBTI members.
MindOUT! is the first national project funded by Australian Government to work with LGBTI organisations and mainstream mental health organisations to improve mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for LGBTI people.
QLife is another fantastic service that is Australia’s first nationally-orientated counselling and referral service for LGBTI people and provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services.
So take action, empower yourselves and others to seek help inside or outside of Defence when faced with mental health challenges.
There are many fantastic organisations that will support your journey toward mental wellness… Ultimately, how you approach that is up to YOU!
Victoria Irvine is a Registered Nurse and serves as Nursing Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Photo by Department of Defence