The Lingering Impact of Her Parents’ War Experience: Hannah’s Ongoing Struggle

Hannah has never seen war but as the daughter of two veterans, she felt it hanging like a permanent dark cloud over her childhood home.

Years on, she’s still struggling with the emotional fallout – and she’s not alone.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) service members and veterans face unique mental health challenges due to the nature of the job.

Hannah was eventually able to access professional mental health support and is able to better manage her long-term mental health concerns now.

But she said more needs to be done for children of veterans so the next generation don’t suffer in silence as she did.

“We need more mental health services that specifically address our unique experiences,” she said.

Hannah advocated for an increase in counselors specifically trained in military family dynamics and trauma-informed care, alongside school programs, outreach initiatives, and comprehensive support systems for veteran families.