As veterans transition from military service, they often face significant mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. Managing these complex conditions requires a holistic, long-term approach, and general practitioners (GPs) are in a unique position to support veterans not only through referrals to mental health specialists but also through evidence-based lifestyle interventions that promote resilience and recovery.
In this episode of The Check Up, Dr Catherine Eltringham, a GP and medical educator, and Dr Jonathan Lane, Chief Psychiatrist for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), explore practical strategies for GPs to integrate lifestyle-based interventions into their consultations with veterans experiencing complex mental health conditions.
Psychiatrist Dr Russell Golden developed the golden recipe, a practical approach that addresses the three pillars of veterans’ mental health:
Veterans with PTSD, depression, or anxiety often experience disrupted sleep, chronic pain, and substance use issues, which can significantly impact their overall wellbeing. GPs can support veterans by:
optimising sleep – poor sleep worsens PTSD and mood disorders. GPs can guide veterans through sleep hygiene practices, relaxation techniques, and, where necessary, referral for sleep therapy
encouraging physical activity – exercise improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances sleep quality. GPs can suggest low-impact activities that suit veterans with physical injuries or chronic pain
reducing alcohol intake and improving diet – alcohol use is common among veterans and can exacerbate mental health symptoms. Encouraging small, sustainable dietary improvements can support mood and cognitive function
Many veterans struggle with a loss of identity, purpose, and routine after leaving the military, which can contribute to depression and emotional distress. GPs can help by:
encouraging structured routines – daily structure can reduce anxiety and support emotional stability
fostering purpose – work, volunteering, or hobbies can help veterans regain a sense of meaning
promoting rest and recovery – many veterans have overactive stress responses. Encouraging mindfulness, creative activities, or quiet reflection can support mental decompression
Social isolation is common among veterans, and many find it difficult to ask for or accept help. GPs can provide guidance by:
encouraging peer support – connecting veterans with peer-led groups, veteran services, and community programs
normalising help-seeking – military culture often discourages seeking support, so GPs play a key role in breaking down these barriers
identifying support networks – helping veterans build and maintain relationships with family, friends, and healthcare providers
Supporting veterans with complex mental health conditions requires an ongoing, structured approach. GPs can:
introduce small, achievable lifestyle changes at each consultation
reinforce the long-term benefits of sleep, physical activity, and structured routines
collaborate with psychologists, Open Arms counsellors, and psychiatrists to provide comprehensive care
This episode of The Check Up provides practical, evidence-based insights on how GPs can improve mental health outcomes for veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.
🎧 Listen now to explore strategies for supporting veterans with complex mental health conditions.
🔗 Access additional resources at VETs HeLP Hub.
For more free Veterans Health education, check out VETs HeLP Hub on Medcast.
Catherine is a GP in Geelong, Victoria. She has been involved in a wide variety of Medical Education opportunities, these include GP training, lecturing in Medicine at Deakin University, and providing clinical consultancy for the Deakin Indigenous Health team. Over recent years Catherine has moved into planning and facilitating the professional development of Medical Educators and GP Supervisors as well as learning (like everyone else) to do all of this online. Catherine strives to ensure her education events are engaging and innovative, with a dose of appropriate fun.
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Navigating the world of Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) billing can seem daunting. This concise guide provides general practitioners (GPs) with essential information on claiming for key DVA services, incentive payments, and compensation claim paperwork, ensuring accurate and efficient processing of your claims.
As a GP, you can play a crucial role in helping veterans navigate the complexities of compensation claims. This process can be particularly challenging for those dealing with significant impairment or mental health conditions and is often exacerbated by the transition to civilian life. By understanding the steps involved and the required documentation, you can positively assist your patients' access to essential support and wellbeing.