Depression
Support for veterans experiencing low mood, lethargy, or a loss of purpose after service.
Depression within the veteran community often presents differently from what is typically seen in civilian settings. Many current and former ADF members describe feeling persistently flat, irritable and/or losing purpose and drive. For many veterans, depression may manifest as:
How depression may present
- Marked lethargy
moving through the day with reduced energy, feeling slowed down, flat, or as though you are functioning on autopilot.
- Diminished interest or pleasure
reduced motivation or enjoyment in activities, fitness routines, or social connections that once felt meaningful.
- Social withdrawal
pulling back from family, friends, or mates because interaction feels effortful or overwhelming.
- Emotional changes
experiencing irritability, emotional numbness, or detachment rather than sadness.
- Changes in sleep or appetite
including difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, oversleeping, restless or non-restorative sleep, as well as under-eating or over-eating.
Veteran-informed recovery, built around you.
Our team recognises that these experiences are understandable physiological and psychological responses to prolonged exposure to high-pressure environments, operational stress, or the transition out of military structure. We work collaboratively with veterans to:
- Identify service-related factors that may be contributing to low mood or reduced functioning.
- Implement practical, individualised strategies to promote mood-enhancing engagement in every-day activities.
Our Wellbeing Clinicians
