Dr Sarah Hampton
Clinical Psychologist and Research Fellow, Gallipoli Medical Research
Why is it for many veterans, health challenges rarely come one at a time? Perhaps you have noticed that in the military and veteran community, mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and substance use disorders often occur alongside chronic physical health issues such as pain, sleep disorders, tinnitus, and diseases of the liver, heart and lungs? These conditions don’t just politely coexist. They collide and interact constantly in a complex web of relationships, reflecting the deep connection between mind and body.
Take sleep, for example. Poor sleep can worsen PTSD symptoms and amplify chronic pain, while both PTSD and pain can, in turn, disrupt sleep. Alcohol or other substances may sometimes be used in the short term to help with sleep, but over time they tend to further fragment sleep and can intensify both pain and PTSD symptoms. Before long, negative feedback loops can develop, where each issue feeds into the other.
For many Aussie veterans, these loops can feel overwhelming. Compared to the general population, veterans experience higher rates of mental health conditions. More than one in four male veterans (27%) report a long-term mental health condition, compared to 17% of non-veteran males, and about 21% report anxiety, which is nearly double the 11% seen more broadly. Disability is also more common, with 37% of male veterans reporting a condition that limits daily activities, compared to 17% of non-veteran males.
Managing this level of complexity often means juggling multiple treatments, and research from Gallipoli Medical Research shows that up to 49% of veterans with chronic conditions take five or more medications, compared to about 17% in civilian populations. It’s no surprise many veterans describe managing their health as all-consuming, filled with appointments, medications, and different professionals, each focused on one part of the puzzle.
It can be easy to feel disempowered by the sheer complexity of it all. But within that complexity lies hope and possibility. Rather than needing to fix everything at once, positive momentum can begin by focusing on just one area within your control. Even small changes can interrupt a negative feedback loop and start to positively influence other parts of the system.
Sleep is a powerful place to start. Many veterans experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), or trauma-related nightmares. In fact, two in three recently transitioned ADF members (within five years of discharge), reported fatigue and poor sleep. The encouraging part is that even simple habits, like keeping a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time at night, limiting caffeine, and getting out of bed if you’re lying awake, can improve sleep over time.
Choosing just one small change and sticking with it can make a real difference. Better sleep can lead to clearer thinking, improved mood, and more energy to take on other positive changes, such as physical activity or tackling other health conditions. Over time, these small steps can build momentum, creating a ’snowball effect’ where progress in one area supports progress in others.
For veterans navigating a multitude of these health challenges, a sense of agency is crucial. Even within a complex system, there are meaningful ways to regain some control. Programs like RSL Be:Well, a free online health and wellbeing program for veterans and their families, offer education, practical tools, and simple first steps across common concerns. Developed by Gallipoli Medical Research and RSL Queensland, RSL Be:Well translates research into realistic, everyday actions, helping veterans build healthier habits while learning what evidence-based care looks like and how to access it.
For many Australians, veterans and civilians alike, starting with a GP can be a familiar and practical first step, especially for physical symptoms, such as trouble sleeping or ongoing fatigue. These conversations can build a clearer picture of overall health, including mental wellbeing, and open the door to tailored support. Alongside this, resources like RSL Be:Well can help people further these conversations with education, tools, and guidance on evidence-based care, supporting small, manageable steps forward.
For those who need more support, evidence-based treatments are available. Speaking with your GP is a great first step towards finding the right options for you.