Mental Health

According to leading mental health organisations, around 1 in 4 of us will experience some form of mental health problem at least once during our lives.

The biggest Service mental health charity, Combat Stress, states that a small but significant number of Veterans leave the Armed Forces with psychological wounds. These can lead to depression, phobias, anxiety, relationship problems and, in some cases, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Those who are serving, or have served, in the Parachute Regiment are no exception and many soldiers, veterans and their families have suffered from mental health conditions. The good news is that there is help available. If you are still serving in the Regiment and find yourself troubled by mental health issues you should report to your Medical Officer as soon as possible.

They may refer you to the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for treatment. The earlier that your problems are identified and treated, the less likely they will be to continue to impact on your life. It should be remembered that it takes a strong person to recognize that they have a problem and an even stronger one to seek help for it. Rest assured, your treatment will be confidential and you certainly won’t be the only person in your unit who has needed help, even if it feels like that.

Don’t delay, report today! If you are a Veteran of the Regiment, you can access help from the same sources as other ex-Service personnel and the public. Your GP will be able to refer you for treatment via the NHS and the Services mental health charity, Combat Stress, is only a phone call away.

Combat Stress has a wealth of experience in helping Veterans who have suffered mental health problems as a result of their service. “Founded in 1919, Combat Stress is the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans’ mental health. We treat conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety. Our aim is to ensure that Veterans receive the right mental health care, in the right place, at the right time. Our work saves lives and is as vital today as it has ever been. We are currently supporting more than 5,400 UK Veterans suffering from mental ill-health, including 806 Veterans who served in Iraq and 519 who served in Afghanistan. We provide specialist trauma-focused treatment at three short-stay treatment centres, practical and clinical support in the community and a 24-hour Helpline (0800 138 1619)”.

Big White Wall is a forum where you can access help from the trained members of staff and also interact with many others who are going through the same feelings and problems as you. Big White Wall has received funding to cater for Armed Forces Veterans.

MIND is a leading national Mental Health charity. Its aims are to provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.