Episode 36: Veterans’ mental health with RSL Victoria’s Adam "Buzz" Lawson and Dr Carolyn Deans

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According to research by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs nearly half of Australian veterans who leave the Australian Defence Force (ADF) experience a mental health disorder within five years, which highlights the challenges associated with transitioning out of full-time military service and into civilian life.   

The research also found that only 10 per cent of ex-ADF members choose to seek access to veteran health care services.  

The Returned & Services League of Australia is a well-known and highly regarded organisation that supports all current and former serving members of the ADF or of an Allied Defence Force, their spouses, widow or widower, and their dependents. 

The organisation is on the frontline of knowing some of the unique challenges that veterans and their families face when it comes to mental health and how to best support them. 

For this episode of GET REAL we talk to two people with extensive military experience and insight into life for veterans - RSL Victoria’s Adam “Buzz” Lawson, Chief of Veterans Services and clinical psychologist Dr Carolyn Deans, who is the RSL Victoria’s mental health advisor.  

Buzz and Carolyn tell us about veterans’ mental health and their take on what the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System mean for the people they support.  

You can also listen to a previous episode where we talk to author Ruth Clare about the effects of war on families.  

CONTENT NOTE: If you’ve been affected by anything you’ve heard in this episode you can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to www.lifeline.org.au 

For more info on the RSL Victoria’s work or know someone who could benefit from its services go to: 

Veteran Central (1300 MIL VET): http://rslvic.com.au/veteran-support/veteran-central/ 

Veteran Employment Program: http://rslvic.com.au/veteran-support/veteran-employment-program/ 

Volunteer at RSL: http://rslvic.com.au/veteran-support/volunteer/ 

Open Arms is a counselling and support service for veterans and their families with a 24hr phone line on 1800 011 046 and online resources https://www.openar

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.

Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline 13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.