For Military Personnel, Emergency Service Workers & Healthcare Professionals

Prevelance of PTSD: Australian research highlights that both current and ex-serving military personnel, emergency service workers in paid and volunteer positions, and our healthcare professionals face a significantly higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population, primarily due to repeated exposure to traumatic events.  

• Military Personnel:
  Research indicates that the 12-month estimated rate of PTSD among ex-serving ADF members is 17.7%, compared to 8% among currently serving members and 5.7% in the general Australian population (ADF, DVA, Phoneix Australia, ABS). 
• Emergency Service Workers:
  Emergency service workers, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, are routinely exposed to critical incidents. A national survey found a PTSD prevalence rate of 10% among these personnel, with variations across different services: 6% in state emergency services, 8% in ambulance services, 9% in fire and rescue services, and 11% in police (Phoenix Australia). 
• Healthcare Professionals:
  While specific Australian data on PTSD prevalence among healthcare workers is limited, international studies have shown increased PTSD symptoms in this group, especially during high-stress periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to this include moral distress, high patient mortality, and prolonged exposure to stressful environments.
  
  

Subdromal PTSD:

Subdromal PTSD occurs when a person experiences some, but not all, of the symptoms needed for a formal PTSD diagnosis - yet still suffers significant distress and impairment. In military personnel, emergency service workers, and healthcare professionals, this type of low-grade, subthreshold PTSD is common and due to repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events and high-stress situations. While these symptoms may be less visible or go unreported, they can still affect wellbeing, relationships, and job performance, and may progress to full PTSD if left unaddressed. Early recognition and support are crucial for preventing long-term impacts.

Other Mental Health Concerns

In addition to PTSD, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and emergency service workers are at higher risk for a range of mental health concerns due to repeated exposure to trauma, high-pressure environments, and moral or ethical stressors. Common concerns include:

Depression

• High levels of job stress, burnout, and cumulative trauma contribute to increased rates of major depressive disorder.
• In the ADF, studies have shown depression rates ranging from 9–12% in both serving and ex-serving members.
• Emergency service workers and healthcare staff - especially those working long shifts or witnessing loss of life - are also vulnerable.

Anxiety Disorders

• This includes generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias.
• The hypervigilance and unpredictability of frontline roles can heighten chronic worry or physiological arousal.

Alcohol and Substance Use

• Many in high-stress roles use alcohol or other substances as a form of coping.
• In the ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study, problematic drinking patterns were identified in a significant portion of personnel, especially among younger males.

Moral Injury

• Particularly relevant for healthcare workers and military personnel, moral injury refers to psychological distress resulting from actions (or inaction) that violate a person’s moral or ethical code.
• Common in wartime situations or during crisis care (e.g., COVID-19), moral injury may lead to guilt, shame, and spiritual or existential distress.

Burnout

• Especially prevalent in healthcare and emergency services, burnout includes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a reduced sense of accomplishment.
• Chronic exposure to suffering, system pressure, and lack of support can increase risk.

Sleep Disorders

• Shift work, night callouts, and hyperarousal contribute to chronic sleep disruption and insomnia, which in turn worsen other mental health conditions.

Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm

• Rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours are elevated in these groups - particularly in veterans and first responders - often linked to untreated PTSD, depression, or moral injury.