Behind the Numbers - Veteran Suicide

An overview of research into veteran suicidality, emphasising the importance of a long-term historical perspective and the value of lived experience. Open Door is an Australasian multidisciplinary research hub that exists to disseminate research information to academics, practitioners and veterans interested in research policy and service provision for veterans and first responders. Our aim is to conduct applied and blue-sky research that demonstrates what works for veterans in transition. I'm pleased to share the first video in our ARC-funded project, Veteran Suicide: Investigating the Social and Historical Dimensions. Behind the Numbers introduces a national study exploring veteran suicide from 1914 to the present through archival research, interviews with veterans and families, wellbeing survey data, and policy analysis. Rather than viewing veteran suicide solely through the lens of mental health, the project examines the social, cultural, historical, and institutional factors that shape veterans' lives both during and after service. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story. This video highlights why understanding veteran suicide requires us to look beyond numbers and engage with lived experience, history, identity, purpose, belonging, and the systems that support – or fail – those who have served. This is the first of seven videos designed to share research findings, amplify lived experience, and contribute to informed public discussion and policy reform. If this video brings up difficult feelings for you, please reach out to one of these supports or a trusted person in your life. ADF All-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Helpline – 1800 624 608 ADF Chaplain (via Defence switchboard) – 1300 333 362 Engage – engage.forcenet.gov.au Fighting Fit – https://lnkd.in/gVaDJHQZ Open Arms – 1800 011 046 | openarms.gov.au Veterans' & families' counselling and 24/7 crisis support Lifeline – 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | https://lnkd.in/eq_cUxd MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978 | mensline.org.au Medicare Mental Health – https://lnkd.in/g3765PbZ #VeteranSuicide #VeteranWellbeing #MentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #Defence #VeteranFamilies #ResearchImpact #AustralianResearchCouncil #OpenDoorInitiative #AWM #AustralianWarMemorial