About service-related trauma
The trauma of witnessing death or serious injury during active service can seriously affect the physical and mental health of Australia’s war veterans. Trauma can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- mood swings
- problems with controlling anger
- despondency
- becoming withdrawn
- low self-esteem
- agitation and irritability
- nightmares and flashbacks
- insomnia
- avoiding situations that trigger bad memories
- survivor guilt
- antisocial behaviour
- problem gambling
- post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms often arise in combination, and can fluctuate over time. Because of the complexity of the disorder, treatment needs to be flexible and holistic. Wesley Hospital Ashfield and Wesley Hospital Kogarah have developed a highly regarded range of day patient treatment services to meet the needs of veterans.
