Keeping Connected this Veterans’ Health Week

This year’s theme is ‘Keep Connected’ and shines a spotlight on the importance of social connectedness. Mates4Mates provides support for veterans and families struggling with social disconnection, a common social health concern within the Defence community. 

The effects of social isolation 

Social isolation and loneliness are recognised as a critical health issue across the world, due to serious health consequences. Potential harms associated with isolation and loneliness are similar to public health issues like smoking, being inactive and excessive drinking. 

There are many important reasons to work on building healthy social connections. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to higher rates of disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer-related deaths; whereas healthy social connections have been linked to better mental health outcomes and improved brain health.  

Veterans and social disconnection 

Veterans and families face unique challenges in creating appropriate social connections. These challenges include being away from home on deployment, frequent postings, and the impact of physical injury and other conditions.  

Friendships and meaningful connections form differently in military service compared to the civilian world, and this can challenge an individual's ability to adapt effectively once they have left the Defence Force. 

Improving our health through social connection 

Improving social connections and reducing loneliness are incredibly important for veteran mental health. Social connection can help to provide a buffer against the effects of stress and mental health symptoms, as well as improving our physical health. Known benefits can include: 

• Increasing moments of enjoyment, happiness, and fun
• Managing alcohol and substance use
• Reducing mental health symptoms
• Reducing risk of illness and diseases
• Improving management of chronic pain
• Increasing physical activity
• Adjusting to civilian life after transition
• Preventing a decline in cognitive (thinking) skills such as memory and problem solving 

Social connections can provide a lifeline of support during the most challenging times. Having people you can call on or just spend time with may be key to getting through a tough situation. 

Building social connections 

How you connect with others will depend on your interests and needs as well as what’s accessible in your community. Some ways to get started can include:

1. Reaching out to a supportive friend or family member: send a message and see if they can make time for coffee, a walk, or a ride, etc.  
2. Connecting with the local Defence community: investigate activities run by organisations that support veterans to socialize and connect with others, like Mates4Mates!  
3. Connect with new people around an interest or activity: think about what you like to do, e.g., walking, cycling, running and other sports, yoga, gyms, arts and crafts, gaming, reading, fishing, dancing, model building.  
4. Online groups and courses: online groups are great if you don’t have activities in your local areas, or if you don’t feel ready for in-person options. 
5. Look into volunteering options: helping others is good for our own health and can be a great way to meet other people with a common interest.

It may feel awkward at first as you start to build your social connections, and it is important to acknowledge this is normal and that not all activities might suit you. Remember that loneliness and social isolation are common and other people can also benefit from your efforts to connect with them. 

It is healthy to have a range of different connections in your life. Some may be acquaintances with common interests who you have brief chats or do activities with, and others may include deep friendships with those you can call on during difficult times. Deeper social connections generally take time to develop. 

Veterans may experience difficulties in building social connections for a range of reasons including physical injuries and pain, feeling unmotivated, mental health symptoms including anxiety and PTSD, and challenges learning to communicate and connect with civilians. 

If you feel unable to reduce loneliness and connect with others, consider seeing a health professional who can help work through this with you.  

The Go Beyond program is a helpful online resource with ideas and information to support those who have transitioned from Defence, including in areas such as social connection, and communicating with civilians. 

Support at Mates4Mates 

Mates4Mates psychologists, counsellors and social workers are available to provide mental health support to help veterans and family members improve their mental health and wellbeing. They can provide advice and guidance on how to improve social connections in your everyday life.  

To help veterans and families socially connect with like-minded others, Mates4Mates also offers regular social connection activities across Australia. These activities include bike riding, arts and crafts, coffee catch ups, walks and more, all in a safe and supportive environment.   
 
To find out more, reach out to Mates4Mates on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.   

 
Written by Helen Doyle, Mates4Mates Clinical Services Manager