The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that, overall, the most common reasons for hospitalisation were similar between ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and the total Australian population. However, there does appear to be a particular need for hospital services related to suicidality and self harm among ex-serving ADF members. 

The report, Characteristics of ex-serving Australian Defence Force members hospitalised for suicidality and intentional self-harm, includes information on the use of hospital services (both admitted patient care and emergency department presentations) for conditions associated with suicidal behaviour among ex-serving ADF members. 

The report examines admitted care data for patients with conditions associated with suicidal behaviour including mental health, alcohol and other drug use and intentional self-harm as a proportion of all admitted patients.

Between 2013 and 2020, almost 4,400 ex-serving ADF members presented to an emergency department for intentional self-harm or suicidal ideation, equivalent to 3.7% of all ex-serving ADF presentations to emergency departments, above the equivalent proportion for all Australians (2.8%).

A higher proportion of ex-serving females presented to an emergency department for intentional self-harm or suicidal ideation (4.1%) than ex-serving males (3.7%). 

Of persons admitted to public hospital, a higher proportion of ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) males were admitted for mental health-related care compared to all Australian males in 2019–20 (8.1% and 6.6%, respectively).

‘The information included in this report places an emphasis on data, and as such, can appear to depersonalise the human pain and suffering behind the statistics. The AIHW respectfully acknowledges the individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or intentional self-harm.’ 

‘Commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, today’s report aims to inform improvements in mental health, suicide awareness and suicide prevention for serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families,’ said AIHW spokesperson Paul Pham. 

Consistent with the AIHW’s annual reporting on deaths by suicide among permanent, reserve and ex-serving members of the ADF, this report found specific ADF service characteristics were associated with a higher rate of hospital admission for mental health-related care. 

In 2019–20 the proportion of ex-serving ADF members admitted for mental health-related care was higher for males who:

• served in the Army (8.4%) or Navy (8.7%) compared to Royal Australian Air Force (5.9%)
• served for less than one year (10.8%), or less than 5 years (10.7%), compared to those who served for at least 5 years but less than 10 years (8.5%), or 10 years or more (5.6%)
• were other ranks (9.2%) compared to officers (6.1%) or other senior ranks (4.7%)
• separated involuntarily (medical – 19.6% and other – 11.8%) compared to voluntarily (8.1%).

‘By understanding the military factors associated with increased use of mental health-related care, more targeted and improved suicide prevention services can be made available for ex-serving ADF members and their families,’ said Mr. Pham. 

For all AIHW reporting on Veterans’ health and wellbeing, visit our website: Veterans Overview - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)

If you need help or support, please contact: 

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF and their immediate families. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
• Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling 1800 011 046
• Open Arms Suicide Intervention page
• Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) 1800 628 036
• Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608
• Defence Chaplaincy Support   
• ADF Mental Health Services
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636

For information on support provided by DVA, see:

• Mental health support services
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• Free mental health care for veterans
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