Pathways to Care: The Impact of Veterans' Delayed Use of Advocacy Services on Healthcare Access and Suicide Prevention

Description

Abstract:
Background: Recent global instability has exposed a new generation of Australian service members to conflict-related traumas. Over half of transitioning service members now face debilitating health conditions linked to their military service. Despite initiatives to improve military culture, stigma surrounding injury—particularly mental ill health—remains entrenched among many veterans. These stigmatising attitudes negatively impact veterans’ help-seeking behaviours, limiting their access to and utilisation of preventative social work and health services.

Aims: This research examines the influence of military culture on veterans’ help-seeking behaviours and their pursuit of injury recognition through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Methods: Conducted in 2023, this is the first international study to analyse data from injured veterans (n = 150) accessing advocacy support services via the Returned and Services League of Australia.

Results: The findings reveal significant delays in help-seeking behaviour among veterans. Those with mental health conditions reported the longest delays, averaging 18.3 years post-discharge before engaging with an advocate. In comparison, veterans with physical injuries reported delays of 15.8 years. Gender differences were also evident: male veterans experienced longer delays across all categories, whereas delays for female veterans were nearly halved.

Conclusion: Military culture instils enduring attitudes and behaviours that discourage help-seeking, even long after discharge. This reluctance delays access to critical healthcare funding through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, impeding the use of essential social work services. These delays exacerbate health challenges, contributing to poorer health outcomes and heightened suicide risks among this vulnerable population. Addressing cultural stigma within and beyond military service is essential to improving veteran health and well-being.

Period	26 Nov 2024
Event title	1st National Open Door Symposium - Transition and Transformation: Postgraduate Veteran Students in Higher Education
Event type	Conference
Conference number	1
Location	Adelaide , Australia, South AustraliaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National