WORLD first research out of the Hunter aims to give young people living in Australian Defence Force families tailored mental health and wellbeing support early.
Dr Milena Heinsch, of the University of Newcastle, said of the 6000 personnel who transition out of the ADF each year, 17 per cent of ADF children aged two-to-17 report issues with peers and emotional problems, and 15 per cent report hyperactivity - "significantly higher" than their civilian peers. As they grow into adults, she said many take with them an increased risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms (12 per cent), suicidality (18 per cent in the past year), and "very high levels" of psychological distress (29 per cent).
