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25.01.2022 Isolation for some will mean exactly that - complete isolation. Because we can't venture out in public, visit other people or have visitors ourselves, this can make for a really, really lonely time. On top of the uncertainty that we find ourselves in, it can be pretty overwhelming. So catch-up with your friends and family as much as you can, via phone or video calls, messaging or (dare we say it) by letter . ... It's a good way to help you feel better and will no doubt make their day too!

25.01.2022 "You go from being something to being nothing" To many ADF members, the military is more than just a job. Which means leaving the ADF can result in a significant loss of identity, community and purpose. ... If this is happening to you, a friend or a loved one please consider the vSHADE program. It's designed to help, particularly in this transition period. Find out more at vshade.com.au (Reference: DVA 2018 Transition Taskforce Report Photo: by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash)

25.01.2022 You have to jump through a million hoops to get any assistance. Not with us. If you're a young veteran aged 18-45 and are struggling with acohol use and depression, our free and anonymous online program can help. Look it up at vshade.com.au... (Quote: ADF Transition Taskforce Report 2018 Photo by Leonard Rb on Unsplash)

24.01.2022 Many military people don't seek help when they need it And for some, that doesn't change after they discharge. So if you're a young Aussie vet and you'd like some mental health support, check out vshade.com.au and see if it's right for you.

24.01.2022 I didnt want to leave the Army. In my mind I was there until retirement. It was a change I didnt want to happen. I resisted as long as I could but the day came anyway. It can be like entering a dark abyss - with no idea where you're going. Get help at vSHADE.com.au... (Quote: ADF Transition Taskforce Report 2018; Photo: Matthew Henry from Unsplash)

23.01.2022 What job role(s) have you landed after leaving the defence force? (Photo from Max Rovensky on Unsplash)

22.01.2022 If you're in isolation, what's helping you get through it? (Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash)

22.01.2022 If you could pick any place in the world to isolate in, where would it be? (Photo by Jason Strull on Unsplash)

21.01.2022 We saw this posted, hadn't heard it before and wondered if anyone else has? "A lovely military man selling poppies stopped me today and asked if he could reposition mine - while doing so he told me that women should wear their poppy on their right side; the red represents the blood of all those who gave their lives, the black represents the mourning of those who didn't have their loved ones return home, and the green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and future prosperity after the war destroyed so much. The leaf should be positioned at 11 o'clock to represent the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the time that World War One formally ended. He was worried that younger generations wouldn't understand this and his generation wouldn't be around for much longer to teach them. "

20.01.2022 Some people have been painting the power poles with the ANZAC spirit in a little suburb on the Central Coast of NSW called Buff Point. Which is your favourite?

20.01.2022 Practice social distancing - not social disconnecting. Phone your mates, video call them or just check-in on them via a quick message. It only takes a few minutes and for some, it might be the only social contact they have all day.

20.01.2022 The informations there but its not easy to find. Its like a labyrinth. This can be said for so many systems! ... If you're struggling to navigate the maze that is post-military life, check out vSHADE.com.au (Quote: ADF Transition Taskforce Report 2018; Photo: John T on Unsplash)

19.01.2022 If you are or have been a veteran who has struggled with drinking and feeling down, what helps/helped you through it? Feel free to comment with other helpful suggestions for others

18.01.2022 Whilst this comic series can be quite funny, it's also pretty real and speaks straight to the truths of many people's experience of the military - even if it is US-based. This one in particular. It might be humorous when embedded in a cartoon strip but in reality, the strain of military life can be so great that serving members feel the only way to cope is to use to whatever substances are available to them - most commonly of which being alcohol. This is a coping strategy th...at can continue into post-service life. If you're a young Aussie veteran and you're struggling right now, get in touch, we may be able to help.

16.01.2022 At no point does Defence proactively contact the partner and say you are going to carry a great weight. We are going to keep you up to date with opportunities, where you can find this community... the only time Defence proactively contacts families is a knock on the door.' If you're a family member, what do you wish you'd have known before your service? That great weight is all they know.

16.01.2022 If you're a veteran, how long did you spend in the defence force?

15.01.2022 There are no real words to describe or fully capture our appreciation and respect for those that have served their country, in the past or the present. Lest we forget.

14.01.2022 I get frustrated with my friends and family when it comes to timings and what not They say its ok, youve got nowhere to be, but its not ok. They said itd be five minutes.' Settling into civilian life isn't that easy. But with time and the right support, it gets easier. We're just one of many organisations that's here to support young veterans when they're doing it tough.... For a list of other organisations, head to the DVA's 'ex-service organisations' page (Quote from ADF Transition Taskforce Report 2018; Photo by Ben White on Unsplash)

14.01.2022 Despite many veterans suffering from serious conditions - depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance use and suicide - fewer than one-third access treatment, and this is even lower among younger veterans. We're hoping the vSHADE project can help. It's an online, anonymous program designed to improve the mood and alcohol/substance use concerns for contemporary veterans, as it has already done in the general population.... If you or someone you know is a young Aussie veteran who seems to be having some mental health struggles you can find more info or sign up for the study at vshade.com.au

13.01.2022 It seems like veterans have finally had a win. Last week the PM finally announced a permanent role - the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. The commissioner will deliver a report to the government within 12 months, after reviewing over 400 cases of veteran suicide. ... In the meantime, if you're feeling a bit off, we're here to support you. Head to vshade.com.au and see if it's right for you. Otherwise, reach out to someone - a friend, family member, workmate - or another service provider - Open Arms, RSLs, anyone. It's easier dealing with it when you have some support.

13.01.2022 "[If] you don't fit in the box, get into the next box. This box doesn't work, [so go to] the next box. Once you get to the end of the boxes, they go, Let's start over. Maybe this [box] will work again. That's a description from a veteran about receiving mental health care. Not here, not from us. We've designed a veteran-specific online mental health program that you can work through at your own pace, when it suits you.... It's FREE and anonymous. Check it out at https://vshade.com.au and sign up today. (Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash; Quote from Evaluation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services 2018)

12.01.2022 When someone joins we actually make a bit of fuss over that. Make it similar for us on the way out. That would make a big difference. How did you celebrate your transition from defence? Or how would you like it to have been celebrated?... Photo from Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash Quote from DVA Transition Taskforce Report 2018

12.01.2022 It's important that people still feel connected to each other in this time of isolation. One of the best ways to support your mental health is to connect with people that have a positive effect on you. Whether you do it by phone, video, instant message or letter, it's a sure fire way to help you stay mentally well during this time of uncertainty.

11.01.2022 The current advice for COVID-19 is to practice good personal hygiene and social distancing... See below for some tips, and head to https://www.health.gov.au for the most up-to-date information and advice. GOOD HYGIENE... - covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue - disposing of tissues properly - washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet - using alcohol-based hand sanitisers - cleaning and disinfecting surfaces - if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people - cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets SOCIAL DISTANCING - staying at home when you are unwell - avoiding large public gatherings if theyre not essential - keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible - minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions

09.01.2022 Think of someone you served with that currently lives alone.... Now pick up the phone and get in touch with them! ... For some people living on their own the forced isolation might mean that they're finally getting some peace and quiet, but for others, that silence can be lonely. One thing we can do is to check in on each other regularly, to help close that emotional distance that comes with social distancing. ... If we look after each other, and ourselves, we can get through this.

08.01.2022 Anyone else feel like this?

08.01.2022 For any veterans... What do you miss most about the defence force? If you've got another answer feel free to add in the comments

08.01.2022 1 in 5 veterans has experienced suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts... If you or someone you know needs help, support is available.

08.01.2022 This research project is being conducted by Hannah Wells as part of her PhD at the University of Newcastle. It explores the experiences of young people aged 13-21 when their parents leave the ADF. If your family is interested in participating, or you know others who may be, please contact Hannah for more information.

05.01.2022 "When you tell your CO youre leaving, they say thats great, but you need to get on with your jobwere not paying you to arrange your discharge." The reality is, for some ADF members there is no 'transition' from being a serving member to being an ex-serving one. It's a huge change, and the weight of it can be really challenging.... Have you or someone you know experienced this rapid switch from military to civilian life?

05.01.2022 Id like one policy for everythingthats in English and doesnt require a lawyer. There are so many things that we could say this for! (Quote: ADF Transition Taskforce 2018; Photo: Ivan Shilov on Unsplash)

05.01.2022 COVID-19 has brought some pretty strange things out of us humans... Take care and look after yourselves (not by hoarding toilet paper )!

04.01.2022 Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG will be a key note speaker on our online service.

03.01.2022 "Having a single person to help you navigate [the transition] is really important when you are unwell." We're here to help veterans that may not have had the smoothest transition experience and are finding it difficult to settle into post-military life. Find the program and more info at vshade.com.au... (Quote: DVA 2018 Transition Taskforce Report Photo by kilarov zaneit on Unsplash)

03.01.2022 My big thing was that I was having lots of nightmares... I was getting really drunk because Id have less nightmares and it was easier to sleep." Ash was in the army for 6 years. By the end of his service he was experiencing intense symptoms of PTSD and was drinking heavily to cope.... This is a pretty common response in veterans, and it's the reason we've developed vSHADE - a free, anonymous, online support program that's designed to help veterans get a better handle on their situation and the way they're feeling about it. Check it out at vSHADE.com.au (Quote - Story by Shalailah Medhora (Triple J); Photo - Konstantinos Papadopoulos on Unsplash)

03.01.2022 We recently saw this Greenlight-a-Vet initiative from the US, where they encourage people to swap one normal outdoor lightbulb for a green one, to show their support for veterans... What do you think everyday people could do here in Australia, as a sign of support and appreciation for our veterans?

01.01.2022 I remember laughing when I heard about all of the creative hiding spots my partner and his room mates had during their time living on base as recruits.... Like behind the wall clock or in the air cavity above the ceiling... Did you have any ingenious places you hid stuff for inspections?