Mental illness is common and can affect anyone, including serving and ex-members of the armed forces and their families…
While some people cope by getting support from their family and friends, or by getting help with other issues in their lives, others need clinical care and treatment, which could be from the NHS, support groups or charities.
Although it’s completely normal to experience anxiety or depression after traumatic events, this can be tough to deal with. Furthermore, the culture of the armed forces can make seeking help for a mental health problem appear difficult.
Some people may not experience some of these symptoms until a few years after leaving the armed forces. They may also delay seeking help for a number of reasons, such as thinking that they can cope, fear of criticism or feeling that NHS therapists will not understand.
If you think you, or your partner or spouse, may be experiencing mental health difficulties, you can get expert help from the NHS Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service or the NHS Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service. Learn more here.
