Government Launches Mental Health APP For Past & Present Military Personsonnel

19 Mar 2015

A new mobile phone app to help serving and ex-serving ADF personnel manage stress and build their psychological resilience is available to download for free from the iOS app store and Android Google Play.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson and Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, officially launched the High Res app today saying it was part of the Australian Government’s innovative approach to improving mental health outcomes for defence personnel and younger veterans.

“We recognise the unique nature of military service, which is why we are developing these specifically designed resources for the Defence and veteran community,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“We also recognise the current generation of Defence personnel and younger veterans generally engage with support services differently to older veterans. That is why we are actively developing new products such as High Res.”

The High Res app features two major functions:

•’Stress Management’ helps users manage their immediate reactions to a stressful situation. The app prompts users to test their physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural reactions and helps them adjust their response with the use of tools on the app.

•’Performance Training’ helps to optimise mental performance with regular resilience training and will assist users to better respond to future challenges at work and in life.

The High Res app has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Defence and is based on Defence’s BattleSMART self-management and resilience training program.

Minister Robert said the app used Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools and applied them to daily stress management and resilience training.
“We know we need to exercise our bodies to get fit, but how often do we exercise our minds? Being resilient means having the ability to deal with difficult situations and knowing the right response to use at the right time,” Minister Robert said. “The High Res app is like having a resilience toolbox in your back pocket to use whenever you feel the need to. Ultimately, it will help manage stress and over time build mental strength.”

High Res is the latest example of DVA and Defence using emerging technology to help the defence community, including families, to raise awareness of mental health issues and improve access to professional support.

Other samples include the At Ease website, the PTSD Coach Australia and ON TRACK with the Right Mix mobile apps.

For more information, people are encouraged to visit the At Ease website, 

Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Mark Lee 02 6277 7820 or 0408 547 381
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Minister Robert: Richard Briedis 0477 391 174