A rise in mental health illness and suicide has been found among young Australians transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force early on in their career.
The study being undertaken at the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, found that depression, panic attacks, suicidality and alcohol-use disorders are likely to happen to those individuals leaving the force less than four years into their service.
Researchers recommended that services and interventions be available to help this group of people; additionally, love and support from loved ones including parents, partners and friends is particularly important to these young people.
*If you or anyone you know need support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.