PTSD is terrifying but speed of UK veterans seeking help is promising
It takes on average 13 years before a veteran seeks help for a mental health issue. For Afghanistan it is about 18 months
The transition to civilian life can be a difficult time, not just for the veterans but for their families as well. Everyone is different, but after being discharged, veterans have to cope with a loss of role and identity.
In service, those things are there, and they are taken care of. They have a sense of who they are. Their whole support and social network is around them, so when they leave, they often have problems adjusting to civilian life. Many of the veterans we see are presenting with depression, or alcohol or drug misuse. They may have lost the support of family or friends; 6% are homeless. They require welfare as well as clinical services to help them get back on track.
