Practice Review: Impact of veteran mental health on family members: Dave

In this Practice Review from the VETs HeLP Hub, you will meet Dave, a 51-year-old veteran transitioning from service, and presenting with emerging mental health challenges.

Focusing on the recognition of the impact of mental health conditions on veterans' and their family, this case study explores the impact on Dave and his wife, Josie, and daughter, Maddie.

Through the VETERANS lens, you will learn how to optimise consultations by understanding the unique stressors veterans face and the ripple effect on their loved ones. This activity emphasises the importance of connecting eligible veterans and their families with appropriate mental health services through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), such as Open Arms, and explores additional support available to enhance their well-being.

Key learning objectives include:

• Assessing the mental health symptoms of veterans
• Understanding the impact on family dynamics
• Utilising tools like PTSD screening and emotional history assessments.

This activity provides Reviewing Performance CPD and access to a range of resources to strengthen learning. Whether you are a healthcare professional working with veterans or their families, this review provides practical strategies to improve care, communication, and mental health support.

Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform Program.

For more free Veterans Health education, check out VETs HeLP Hub on Medcast