If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Support is available now. 

If reading this page feels hard right now, you can go straight to the support options below. 

If you need immediate help 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. 

You can also contact: 

• Lifeline — call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support. 
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling — call 1800 011 046 for free 24/7 support for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. 
• StandBy Support After Suicide — call 1300 727 247 for support after a suicide. 
• Beyond Blue — call 1300 22 4636 for mental health support. 

These services are confidential. Some are available 24/7. 

Signs you may need support 

Thoughts of suicide or feeling overwhelmed can happen for many reasons. It does not mean there is something wrong with you. 

For veterans and the families of veterans, these feelings may be linked to: 

• transitioning from service 
• changes in identity or purpose 
• mental or physical health challenges 
• stress, relationship pressures or major life changes 

Everyone’s experience is different. 

Ways to get support 

Talking to someone you trust or contacting a support service can make a real difference. You can also ask whether a service has been independently reviewed against national suicide prevention quality standards. 

Support options include: 

• talk to a GP or mental health professional 
• contact Open Arms for free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs and digital health initiatives for veterans and the families of veterans
• use a suicide prevention service such as The Way Back Support Service or StandBy Support After Suicide, where available 
• talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, partner, family member or peer 

Examples of support services 

Crisis and early support 

• Anglicare SA Suicide Prevention Service offers specialised support for people after a recent suicide attempt or suicidal distress. 

Aftercare 

• The Way Back Support Service provides non-clinical support in the first few months after a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis, often through referral pathways linked to hospital or health services. 
• The Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program provides support for older people experiencing distress, isolation or major life changes. 

Support after a suicide 

• StandBy Support After Suicide provides free support for people, families and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. 

There is no right way to ask for help. Small steps matter. 

Supporting someone else 

If you are worried about a veteran or someone close to them, you can: 

• start a conversation — even a simple “Are you okay?” can help 
• listen without judgement 
• encourage them to get support 
• stay connected and check in when you can 

If you believe someone is at immediate risk, call 000. 

After a suicide 

Losing someone to suicide can have a deep impact. 

Support is available for families, friends and communities after a suicide. Services such as StandBy Support After Suicide can help with emotional support, practical guidance and connecting you with other services. 

• counselling and clinical support 
• practical support and entitlements, if eligible 
• ongoing wellbeing support, including through accredited postvention services 

Some services have been independently reviewed against national suicide prevention quality standards. This can help you identify services that meet recognised safety and quality expectations. 

You do not have to navigate this alone. 

It’s okay to ask for help early 

You do not need to wait for things to get worse before asking for help. Getting support early can make a difference.