Higher rates of self-harm among ex-ADF members: AIHW report

This story contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to suicide and self-harm.

A higher number of ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members are presenting themselves to emergency departments for intentional self-harm or suicidal ideation compared to the general population, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Between 2013 and 2020, nearly 4400 ex-serving ADF members presented to an emergency department for intentional self-harm or suicidal ideation, equivalent to 3.7 per cent of all ex-serving ADF presentations to emergency departments, above the equivalent proportion for all Australians (2.8 per cent).

Furthermore, a higher proportion of ex-serving females presented to an emergency department for intentional self-harm or suicidal ideation (4.1 per cent) than ex-serving males (3.7 per cent).

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

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.

It 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.

The report, which was commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, 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.

“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 Pham.

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

If you need help or support, please contact Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (1800 011 046) which 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.