Maintaining good mental health and wellness can be challenging for many of us, but for veterans living life after service it’s often difficult. Careful attention is needed as the transition is made from a life that was busy, and filled with structure and activity to one that needs constant attention to fill and develop. A career in the services also requires the maintenance of a certain level of physical fitness and mental discipline, but once you leave the defence force, that is no longer required. The ongoing maintenance of physical and mental is often complex to replicate as veterans transition into civilian life. This is why having a home base from which to begin again becomes critical.
A great foundation for a new start is developing a strong and stable home base to build a new life around. Our homes are the places we come to for recharging and restoring ourselves, they are the places we start and end our days from and the places we retreat to for safety, comfort, and connecting with ourselves. Having a sense of home as a foundation is a critical component to good health outcomes, so it’s devastating to think that homelessness is so prevalent in the veteran community.
Solutions for affordable housing such as those offered by Veteran Housing Australia can be the make or break for veterans. It’s more than just having a place to sleep also. Having a space to make your own can be a significant improver of mental health and making your house into a home can be a defining ritual of transitioning into civilian life. A pleasing and nurturing home environment is of vital importance to ongoing mental and emotional health and wellbeing, particularly for those suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic health conditions.
For the past 76 years, the World Health Organisation has been recognising one of the most critical aspects of being human – our health. World Health Day is celebrated on 7th April every year, with annual themes that put some of the key issues in the spotlight – from heart health to infectious diseases, safe hospitals to supporting health care workers, and healthy cities to universal health coverage. The theme for 2024 focuses on health as one of the key human rights recognised by 140 countries through the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All.
Understanding our human rights and having the freedom to live them is one of the privileges of developed society, so days like World Health Day are a great reminder to take care of ourselves in the time we have. Things like regular activity, good sleep, healthy eating habits, social engagement and a good supportive health care team are key to ensuring we life a healthy and happy life at home and out in the world.
If Veteran Housing Australia can assist in any way to support you or help you to get any of these critical elements in place, please reach out to us. If you are a veteran, know a veteran or are the family member of a veteran who is going through difficulties, you can contact the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs for assistance or contact us and we can point you in the right direction.
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