Bid to end stigma for mentally-ill veterans

The Anti-Stigma campaign, funded by Comic Relief, will address the issues that surround veterans’ mental health disorders, raise awareness of the charity’s services, and battle the perception of shame that deters some ex-service men and women from seeking treatment.

A survey carried out by Combat Stress revealed 81 per cent of veterans feel ashamed or embarrassed about their mental ill-health. The fear of stigma and discrimination means that more than one in three of those people don’t even feel able to tell their families about their problems.

The charity said without a diagnosis, appropriate treatment or support, psychological problems can lead to marriage break up, unemployment, social isolation and substance abuse. Some succumb to suicidal thoughts.

A significant minority of service men and women suffer from mental ill-health as a result of their experiences. Research suggests that of the 191,000 personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 7,600 people could develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Another 37,600 people may be battling other debilitating mental health problems, such as depression, mood disorders and anxiety.

In Yorkshire there are around 150 veterans currently receiving support from Combat Stress.

Chris Ryan, regional welfare officer for North Yorkshire, said: “Every week I meet men and women who have bravely fought for their country but, now battling mental health problems are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help.

“At Combat Stress we have found that on average people wait just over 13 years after leaving the Armed Forces before getting in contact with us. This is too long, as the longer they wait the worse they can get.”