To coincide with mental health month the Glen Innes RSL sub-branch will be holding two information and awareness seminars on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental-health disorders.
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RSL sub-branch spokeswoman Gail Turnbull said the sessions are important because the rate of mental illness amongst veterans is on the rise.
“We have a number of veterans in the New England area that suffer from PTSD,” she said.
“The latest information we have from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is that one in four vets are on anti-depressants or some type of drug due to a mental health disorder.
“The sessions will give information to people that will allow them to better understand how to seek treatment and we will show them how that treatment can be subsidised so it is not cost prohibitive for them.”
President of the Glen Innes RSL Sub branch Gordon Taylor said he understands the day to day battle for those who have PTSD.
“It’s a continuous battle to keep on a level keel and PTSD can sneak up on you sometimes,’ he said.
“If a soldier is diagnosed with PTSD they need continued therapy and help from good friends and these seminars will provide useful information to help them.”
Hunter New England Health (HNEH) is encouraging people and communities to learn more about mental health during Mental Health Month and to use that knowledge to grow personally and take control of their mental well-being.
HNEH Clinical Psychologist Sue-Ellen Trevett said Nearly half of all Australians (45%) will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, and those that don’t will most likely know someone that does.
“It’s important to make sure that as many people as possible know what mental illness looks like and what can be done to treat it – even if it’s not an issue for you right now, it might be one day, either for you or someone you know,” she said.
“During the month of October, communities around NSW will be holding events focusing on this theme and we encourage everyone to find out what’s happening near them and to get involved.”
The RSL sub-branch seminars will be split into afternoon and evening sessions.
The afternoon seminar will begin at 1pm on Saturday, October 22 and includes light refreshments; this seminar is sponsored by the White Rock Wind farm so entry will be free.
The evening seminar starts at 6pm and is $25 per person which includes a meal.Both information sessions are at the Services club.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
