.png){kind=small}
WHAT IS PTSD?
Understanding PTSD and transition-related mental health issues
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises from exposure to, or by witnessing a traumatic event. It is highly prevalent among frontline services and military veterans, causing a range of symptoms, such as acute anxiety, traumatic flashbacks, and nightmares. There is also a high likelihood of addiction in PTSD cases. While most veterans may initially struggle with adjusting and coping, they typically recover with time and proper self-care. However, some individuals experience worsening symptoms that can last for years, impeding their day-to-day functioning and leading to suicide, in some cases. Sadly, between 1996 and 2018, 1086 veterans took their own lives. Therefore, timely and effective treatment is crucial in managing PTSD symptoms and improving functionality, but this is often challenging to obtain in the UK.
What are transition-related mental health issues?
UK Armed Forces personnel are recruited from our society, then serve to protect it and resettle back into it at the end of their military career. However, during their Service personal values and standards change to meet the demands of their role. They no longer reflect the society they came from, protect and then resettle back into. Changes in character, behaviour, values, structure, and pace of life, in addition to retraining or learning new skills can create significant challenges during their transition from the military. These challenges can be harder for those who joined the military directly from school and for those exposed to kinetic and hostile operations. During their resettlement, all military personnel are entitled to employment and career transition (CV writing, job search, interview techniques and job application) but there is minimal assistance in housing, finance and soft skills to cope with divorce from the military (loss of camaraderie, loss of identity, a sense of purpose and belonging) and the practicalities of how to get a doctor, dentist, life insurance, wills and other services that were provided free of charge to those in the military. For many, transition can be a significant challenge and can adversely affect their mental health. Little is being done to address this, other than from military charities and non-profit companies. For many, help is not obvious. This can cause anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts and behavioural issues. We can provide hope, opportunity, growth and a sense of purpose.
Quantifying our Impact: The real cost of change
Our programme prioritises the development of coping skills, resilience building, and confidence-boosting to empower individuals and promote their overall well-being. We aim to support veterans to manage their trauma and become confident, strong members of their communities. These individuals possess a clear understanding of their condition, are involved in the decision-making process of their care, and exhibit healthy behaviours and a higher quality of life. In short, success in our programme is characterised by empowered individuals who are equipped with the skills and resources to lead fulfilling lives filled with purpose and meaning. Our programme can help reduce the burden on the current health care system and provide veterans with the much-needed care they require.