Men’s Health Week, held annually in June, provides the opportunity to focus on men’s health and developing healthy habits to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing
Men, particularly within the Defence community, may need reminders to prioritise their health and personal needs.
Commonly, the demanding nature of military service can lead to the neglect of personal wellbeing, as veterans may focus more on fulfilling their duties and responsibilities than putting their own health needs first.
Additionally, societal expectations of masculinity and stoicism can discourage men from seeking medical help or addressing health concerns, particularly around mental health.
Social connection offers an opportunity to find a support network of individuals who can relate to shared experiences, share information, and provide emotional support. It has also been found to be particularly important for male veterans to develop healthy social connections.
The benefits of social connection
There are a wide variety of benefits for social connection, particularly around mental and physical health concerns. These include:
- Lower rates of depression, anxiety, and anger
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Higher self-esteem
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Improved adjustment to civilian life
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Reduced isolation
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Overall enhanced quality of life
Accessing quality social connections is linked to stronger immune systems, improved life expectancies, as well as reduced risks for dementia and heart disease.
Why might veterans struggle with social connection?
The unique nature of the military experience can impact forming social connections after transition to civilian life for a range of reasons, including:
A sense of isolation and disconnection from others and missing the camaraderie and shared experiences in Defence.
Difficulties relating to non-veterans including family, as their experiences and perspectives can differ significantly.
Mental health concerns, such as PTSD, can affect social interactions, for example due to possible thoughts of others as being untrustworthy, oneself being unsafe, or the world being dangerous. Symptoms of anxiety can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage. This may then be a deterrent for establishing meaningful relationships and can reinforce avoidant behaviours.
Stigma surrounding mental health may also discourage male veterans from accessing social connections, for example, due to worries that they may be judged or treated differently.
Some male veterans may be inclined to react in certain ways when faced with particular interactions which could result in disruptions to relationships, i.e., with anger or irritation, which may cause the other person to feel threatened and distance themselves.
Individual circumstances vary and so the above only serves as general examples.
Growing social connections
There are ways to connect and grow your social network, within civilian life and the veteran community:
- Joining veteran support organisations or community groups can provide opportunities to meet and connect with individuals who have shared experiences.
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Learning new skills with community groups, organisations, and clubs to connect with people with shared interests (e.g., the local golf or tennis club).
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Attending local events, activities, gatherings, and/or workshops related to hobbies or interests.
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Online platforms and forums dedicated to veterans can be a convenient way to engage with others and exchange experiences.
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Volunteering for community service or mentorship programs can offer avenues to connect with like-minded individuals.
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Reaching out to old military colleagues or friends and maintaining regular contact, provided these are healthy supports.
If symptoms, such as anxiety and PTSD, are preventing you from connecting with others, reach out to your doctor or a mental health practitioner, to help you identify treatments and strategies to enable you to overcome challenges.
Important tips for social connection
Good tips when looking to socially connect include:
- Be open-minded and approachable.
- Actively listen and show interest in others’ experiences.
- Understand your own boundaries and not push yourself further than what you are ready for. You may need to take small steps and gradually expand your circle.
- You don’t have to share your mental health concerns with others, unless it is comfortable and appropriate to do so. It can be beneficial to participate in social activities where the focus is not around facing challenges.
- Practise self-care. Prioritising your mental wellbeing can positively impact your ability to form and maintain meaningful connections.
Support at Mates4Mates
At Mates4Mates, we provide support to current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families through a range of services, including social connection activities.
Aimed at providing a safe space to build connections, find mateship, and foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, our social connection activities are run in South East Queensland, North Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory as well as online for those unable to attend in person.
From weekly BBQs and coffee catchups to creative art courses, cooking groups, and school holiday programs, there is something to suit everyone’s interests and create a safe space for all age groups.
To find a social connection activity near you, visit the
Events page.
We also have clinical services, delivered in person and via telehealth, for veterans and family members to access treatment to address challenges or develop strategies to improve social connection, including
Skills for Recovery Programs,
exercise physiology, and
psychology, social work and counselling.
If you’re a veteran or family member and want to find out more about our services at Mates4Mates to support your mental wellbeing and journey in social connection, reach out to us on
1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.
Written by Kia Karimi, Mates4Mates Psychologist
