R U OK? is proud to collaborate with Defence Australia on a collaborative project developed to encourage mental wellbeing and peer support for Defence staff and families.
All resources are free and available for download.
Defend Your Mental Health
R U OK? and Defence Australia
About 'Defend Your Mental Health'
'Defend Your Mental Health' is a campaign which encourages higher levels of peer and social support for current and former Defence personnel across Australia.
Defence service asks a lot of people. From the moment you enlist to well after you've hung up your uniform, it shapes how you work, how you think, and how you connect with the people around you. Deployments, relocations, shift work, operational tempo, injury and transition - these are experiences that most Australians will never face, and they carry real weight for members, veterans and their families.
But Defence also builds something few other workforces can: genuine mateship. That sense of connection, of knowing your unit has your back, is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health and wellbeing. Checking in on the people around you is not a soft skill. It is part of how Defence looks after its own. Our resources feature real stories from those who have served and provide practical tools to help you have a genuine R U OK? conversation with someone you're concerned about.
CONVERSATION CONVOY
R U OK? and Defence have collaborated to bring the Conversation Convoy directly to bases across Victoria and New South Wales.
The Convoy will visit up to 14 locations, with the aim of reducing stigma around mental health, normalising help-seeking and help-giving, and building a culture where asking R U OK? is part of everyday life in Defence.
Each base event is a relaxed, connection-focused experience featuring food, merchandise giveaways, informal mingling and a short live conversation with an R U OK? staff member and a LEAF representative.
A CONVERSATION COULD CHANGE A LIFE
Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK?
here.
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
If you're worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to reach out to one of the services below or speak to a trusted health professional.
1800 628 036 - For current ADF members and families. Triage line connecting to psychology, medical, social work and chaplain services.
Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling (24/7)
1800 011 046 - openarms.gov.au - Free, confidential counselling for current members, veterans and families.
Defence Member and Family Helpline (24/7)
1800 624 608 - Staffed by social workers and psychologists. Overseas: +61 2 6127 1600
1800 142 072 - Free and anonymous. No need to identify yourself. Calls not recorded.
1300 333 362 - Ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area and service.
DVA - Department of Veterans' Affairs
1800 555 254
