No one escapes life without some sort of complication. We veterans are no different from non-veterans in that we too suffer from health issues. It’s just that it seems we suffer the most. It’s not a competition.
Suicide Rates: Veterans vs. Civilians in Australia
Civilian Suicide Rates
In Australia, the general suicide rate for civilians in 2022 was approximately 12.1 deaths per 100,000 people[3]. This rate encompasses the broader population, including both males and females across various age groups.
Veteran Suicide Rates
The suicide rates among veterans and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel vary significantly depending on their service status:
- Serving Permanent ADF Members: The suicide rate for male permanent ADF members was 49% lower than the general Australian male population, indicating a protective effect of active service[1][4].
- Reserve ADF Members: Similarly, the suicide rate for reserve ADF males was 45% lower than the general population[1][4].
- Ex-Serving ADF Members: The situation is notably different for ex-serving members:
- Ex-Serving Males: The suicide rate was 26% higher compared to the general Australian male population[1][4].
- Ex-Serving Females: The suicide rate was 107% higher, or 2.07 times greater, than the general Australian female population[1][4].
Specific Findings for Ex-Serving Members
- Voluntarily Separated Ex-Serving Males: The suicide rate was similar to the general male population, at 21.5 suicides per 100,000 population per year[1][4].
- Involuntarily Medically Separated Ex-Serving Males: The suicide rate was significantly higher at 67.1 suicides per 100,000 population per year, more than three times that of voluntarily separated ex-serving males[1][4].
Comparison Summary
| Group | Suicide Rate (per 100,000) | Comparison to General Population |
|---|---|---|
| General Australian Population | 12.1 | Baseline |
| Serving Permanent ADF Males | Lower by 49% | Protective effect |
| Reserve ADF Males | Lower by 45% | Protective effect |
| Ex-Serving ADF Males | Higher by 26% | Increased risk |
| Ex-Serving ADF Females | Higher by 107% | Significantly increased risk |
| Voluntarily Separated Ex-Serving Males | 21.5 | Similar to general population |
| Involuntarily Medically Separated Ex-Serving Males | 67.1 | Over three times higher |
Conclusion
The data indicates that while active service in the ADF appears to have a protective effect against suicide, ex-serving members, particularly those who were medically discharged involuntarily, face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general Australian population. This highlights the critical need for targeted mental health and support services for veterans transitioning out of active service.
Citations:
[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/data/populations-age-groups/australian-defence-force-suicide-monitoring
[2] https://www.suicideprograms.com.au/suicide-statistics/suicide-statistics/
[3] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/2020
[4] https://lifeinmind.org.au/suicide-prevention/priority-populations/veterans-and-australian-defence-force-personnel
[5] https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/news-and-media/media-releases/new-data-underscores-urgent-need-address-national-crisis-military-suicide
[6] https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/suicide/facts-about-suicide-in-australia/
Other health consequences
Veterans of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and other branches of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) may experience several long-term health consequences as a result of their military service:
1. Higher rates of long-term health conditions compared to non-veterans, including:
- Arthritis (33% in veterans vs 12% in non-veterans)
- Back problems (31% vs 19%)
- Heart, stroke and vascular disease (15% vs 5.9%)
- Diabetes (14% vs 6.9%)
- Cancer (6.7% vs 2.6%)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (3.6% vs 1.0%)[1]
2. Musculoskeletal problems: Veterans are more likely to experience musculoskeletal issues, including back problems and arthritis, which can affect mobility and daily functioning[1][4].
3. Hearing difficulties: Many veterans experience hearing problems due to exposure to loud noises during service[1][4].
4. Mental health issues: Veterans may have an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence disorder[1].
5. Respiratory issues: Some veterans may experience respiratory problems due to exposure to environmental hazards during their service[2].
6. Occupational hazard effects: Ongoing health problems related to exposure to workplace hazards, such as toxic chemicals, during service[2].
7. Increased risk of dementia: International studies suggest an increased prevalence of dementia among veterans compared to the general population, possibly due to risk factors such as traumatic brain injury sustained through active duty and PTSD[1].
8. Challenges in maintaining physical fitness: Some veterans described difficulties in maintaining their desired level of physical activity after leaving service due to new commitments and limited access to sports facilities[4].
9. Reluctance to seek medical treatment: Veterans were found to be more reluctant than non-veterans to seek medical treatment for physical health difficulties, which could lead to worsening of conditions over time[4].
It’s important to note that while military service can lead to these long-term health consequences, many veterans also reported good physical health later in life, which they attributed to the fitness they developed during military service[4]. The Australian government and various organizations have implemented support systems to address these issues, including healthcare services and programs tailored to the unique needs of veterans[1][4].
Citations:
[3] https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/9/7/e028189.full.pdf
[4] https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/7/e028189
[5] https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/allostatic.docx\
Financial impacts
There are several significant financial impacts on ADF veterans due to long-term health issues:
1. Decreased earning capacity and career prospects: Veterans affected by long-term health issues face a significant decrease in their earning capacity and career prospects for the rest of their lives. Underemployment is noted as a common outcome for those affected by exposure to toxic chemicals during military service.
2. Cumulative financial losses: Many affected families have experienced income losses that exceed the maximum compensation paid. These losses continue throughout their working lives and impact superannuation incomes upon retirement.
3. Drastic income reduction: Some veterans report going from earning around $60,000 to only $19,000 after being medically discharged, forcing them to consider selling their homes due to insufficient funds for living expenses and medical treatments.
4. Insufficient pension coverage: Invalid pensions provided to some veterans do not adequately cover the cost of ongoing treatments for their conditions while waiting for compensation decisions.
5. Housing instability: The significant drop in income can lead to veterans being unable to maintain mortgage payments, potentially resulting in the loss of their homes.
6. Increased out-of-pocket medical expenses: While waiting for compensation or due to insufficient coverage, veterans often face high out-of-pocket costs for necessary medical treatments.
7. Long-term impact on retirement savings: The combination of reduced income and increased medical expenses can significantly impact a veteran’s ability to save for retirement, affecting their long-term financial security.
8. Strain on family finances: The financial burden often extends to the veteran’s family, who may need to provide additional support or cope with reduced household income.
These financial impacts highlight the severe and long-lasting economic consequences that long-term health issues can have on RAAF veterans and their families. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and adequate compensation to address these financial challenges.
Citations:
[4] https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/physical_health_status_summary_report_0.pdf
Like I said, we veterans are no different from non-veterans in that we too suffer from health issues. It’s just that it seems we suffer the most. It’s not a competition.