Navigating Mental Health Challenges: The Complex Journey of Australian Veterans
Australia is home to nearly half a million military veterans, many of whom are active participants in the workforce. However, a significant portion, around 60%, struggle with long-term health issues. Of these, about half face persistent mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and an elevated risk of suicide.
While disclosing these conditions can pave the way for essential workplace support, many veterans choose to remain silent. This silence often stems from a fear of stigma and the potential impact on their professional lives. Unfortunately, keeping quiet can create a cycle of isolation, where veterans feel compelled to continue concealing their struggles, even when it might be in their best interest to seek help.
This issue is particularly pronounced in roles that require full disclosure, such as Australian government positions needing security clearances. Veterans who initially choose not to disclose their mental health conditions may find themselves trapped, forced to seek external assistance privately without informing their employers. This secrecy can lead to self-harm or even mental health crises, leaving employers unaware and unable to provide the necessary support.
At the University of Queensland, a team is studying the complex dynamics of how and when veterans choose to disclose their mental health conditions. Through surveys and interviews, they have identified a wide range of approaches to disclosure.
On one end of the spectrum, some veterans refuse to reveal their health concerns to anyone, including close family members. They often feel that others cannot truly understand their experiences, and fear that disclosure might damage their relationships. On the other end, some veterans are subjected to frequent, mandatory disclosures, sometimes as often as every six months. This constant scrutiny makes them feel as though their personal lives are on display to supervisors and human resource managers, leading to a sense of vulnerability and invasion of privacy.
One veteran recounted an experience where, during a government job application process, all veterans diagnosed with PTSD were asked to identify themselves in a crowded room. They were then required to fill out extensive documentation detailing their condition, treatment, and medication regimen, long after other applicants had finished.
Another veteran described the intricate decision-making process involved when considering new contracts or contract renewals. They would assess factors such as the length of the contract, the contracting firm’s health policies, reporting requirements, and the actual support offered for mental health. Importantly, this veteran also sought out insights from fellow veterans to gauge the firm’s true commitment to supporting mental health.
Despite the challenges, many employers genuinely care about their employees’ well-being but struggle to convey that message effectively. One veteran-turned-business owner shared that the best way to build trust with veteran applicants was by first disclosing some aspect of his own health condition, thus creating a mutual sense of understanding and support.
Our study is ongoing, and while it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions, we hope that our findings will contribute to creating safer, more supportive environments for veterans. By understanding the delicate balance veterans must strike between reaching out for help and fitting into the workforce, we aim to make it easier for them to disclose their conditions and access the support they need—potentially saving lives in the process.
Richard O’Quinn, The University of Queensland; Emma Knight, The University of Queensland; Justin P. Brienza, The University of Queensland; Laura Ferris, The University of Queensland; Tarli Young, The University of Queensland
