For many veterans and first responders, reaching out for psychological support doesn’t come naturally. The skills that make someone good at the job can make asking for help feel unfamiliar.
Why it can feel hard
Training often values self-reliance, staying calm under pressure and putting others first. Those are strengths. But after years of exposure to difficult incidents, or during transition out of service, they can also make it harder to notice when you’re struggling, or to say so.
Signs it might be time to talk to someone
- Sleep that’s consistently broken
- Short fuse at home or with mates
- Pulling away from people or things you used to enjoy
- Drinking more to switch off
- Feeling lost without the structure and purpose of the job
Where to start
You can speak with your GP, contact a psychologist directly, or call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 (24/7) if you’re a veteran or family member. Many people find it easier to start with a practical goal, like better sleep or fewer arguments, than with “talking about everything”.