New book on veterans’ mental health
The mental health of veterans is the focus of a new book produced by the Commonwealth Government and AGPN.
A new book has been launched to help health professionals and the veteran community to better understand the impact of mental health.
Entitled Beyond the call, it features stories from veterans and their families who share their personal mental health journies.
Produced with government funding, the book aims to raise awareness about mental illness and to highlight the different support options available to veterans.
“Poor mental health can have a devastating effect on individuals, as well as those who live with and care for them,” said the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.
“We have considerable understanding about the adverse effects of mental health disorders but it remains a difficult issue, subject to powerful stigma.”
Beyond the Call has been developed in partnership with the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN), and it has been endorsed by a number of ex-service organisations.
It will be distributed to GPs, mental health care professionals, community pharmacists and ex-service organisations.
“GPs and pharmacists play an important role in providing front line help and in guiding veterans and their family members towards appropriate and effective support,” said Mr Griffin.
“Beyond the Call will help them gain a greater understanding of the adverse effects of mental health disorders.”
