Combat Stress

KCMHR 20-year study finds rises in common mental disorders (CMD), such as depression and anxiety, and probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Serving and ex-Serving personnel who served during the conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan.   Our new Research Spotlight focuses on the findings from the fourth phase of the King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) Health and Wellbeing Cohort Study (2022/2023). The study has been running since 2003 with the aim of investigating the impact of deployment to Iraq (Operation TELIC) and Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK) on the health and wellbeing of Serving and ex-Serving personnel. Phase 4 revealed rises in CMD and PTSD that were not apparent when Serving personnel were in active combat in the beginning phases of the study, and collected new data on complex PTSD (C-PTSD), loneliness and caring responsibilities.   Read more and find out how research, policies, and support services should focus on addressing the long-term impact of military Service. 🖇️ https://lnkd.in/e_qD9FcZ

This afternoon we joined charities in Westminster to lobby MPs on the devastating impact fireworks can have on people and animals. It followed a debate held yesterday in Parliament on the sale and use of fireworks, and the need for effective regulation. At Combat Stress we know all too well how the flashes, bangs and whistles of fireworks suddenly set off can be distressing to former service personnel with PTSD. We thank Luton North MP, Sarah Owen MP, for arranging today’s event.

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At Combat Stress, we recognise the importance of including veterans’ loved ones in their recovery journey. Research conducted by the Combat Stress Centre for Applied Military Health Research found that partners of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be at risk of developing a mental health condition themselves. The study also found that partners of veterans experienced loss of identity, emotional distress and isolation. This research formed part of a series of research projects that explored the needs of partners of veterans with PTSD. The findings of the study informed the development of our specialist support programme for the partners of veterans – the Together Programme. Designed to support the partners of former servicemen diagnosed with PTSD, the Together Programme provides educational information about trauma-related mental health problem as well as skills and strategies to help partners not only support their loved one but also to take care of themselves and their family. Click here to find out more about the Together Programme: https://ow.ly/QxuG50UnslL #familysupport #ptsdsupport #veteranscharity

We understand how important it is to include loved ones in a veteran's road to recovery. Seeking help and undergoing treatment can be a daunting time for everyone involved. That’s why we not only provide specialist mental health support to veterans but are here to help families along the recovery process too. Research has also shown that outcomes for a veteran’s recovery are better when their partner or support network is involved. And by supporting the adults, they are better placed to support any children in the family. That’s why we not only provide specialist mental health support to veterans but are here to help families recover too.  Watch the clip below to hear Christine, partner of Army veteran Andy, discuss how Andy’s PTSD affected their relationship, and how our specialist treatment changed their lives. #familysupport #ptsdsupport #veteranscharity

Army veteran Kevin served all over the world as a combat medic, before completing a tour of Afghanistan as a reservist in 2005. During this tour he dealt with the aftermath of a double suicide bombing near a school in Kabul, something which stays with him to this day. Kevin realised soon after the attack that it had affected his mental health, adding to the trauma that he’d already experienced during his service. “I thought ‘I’m a medic, I can sort myself out’,” he says. “Then I basically lied my way through the next 17 years.” Once back on Civvy Street, Kevin pushed away any thoughts of mental health issues, telling himself that he “wasn’t that bad”. He boxed up all his emotions to deal with what he was experiencing and coasted through life feeling numb and suicidal. Finally, in 2022, it all became too much and Kevin broke down in front of his wife. He called our Helpline and after an assessment worked with our clinicians to devise the best treatment plan for him. Kevin had online sessions with a senior mental health nurse to help him understand PTSD and then moved on to 1:1 psychological sessions with another of our expert clinicians. The final phase of his treatment was attending Live Your Life, an online group that aims to help veterans learn to manage their mental health independently ahead of being discharged. Kevin has now completed treatment and is honest about how far he’s come since the day he called our Helpline. “If it wasn't for the help Combat Stress gave me, I wouldn’t be here today,” he says. “How do you thank someone who saved your life?” You can read more of Kevin’s story here: https://ow.ly/xcAW50UjLha #GivingTuesday

Last month, Combat Stress, alongside King's College London, ran a roundtable event to discuss the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Armed Forces community. In the following article from Third Sector, Zoe Amar FCIMexplores the pros and cons of integrating AI into the provision of mental health services and gives insight into Combat Stress’ AI partnership with King's College London. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/EQgH50Ui8xP #ArtificialIntelligence #TechPartnerships #VeteransMentalHealth

As a charity, the demand for our vital services remains constant. Our commitment – to provide treatment and support to former military personnel to help them tackle the past and take on the future - remains unwavering. We complement services provided by the NHS and other military charities by providing treatment and support for those veterans who have some of the most complex trauma-related mental health issues resulting from military service. Our expert team helped nearly 12,500 veterans last year; 8,241 called our Helpline, 2,728 accessed our online self-help resource and 1,486 directly received support from our specialist staff In our latest Annual Report you can read more about how we’re working towards achieving our vision that all former servicemen and women with complex mental health problems can live full and meaningful lives: https://ow.ly/CG6x50Uhw9m

Follow in the footsteps of some of our fantastic corporate partners who have taken on our free, annual fundraising challenge, #MarchinMarch, including Corps Security, Unum and Pall-Ex Group . It’s easy to get started - register yourself and your colleagues as a group, decide when and where you’re going to complete the challenge, and then get started! Walk or run ten miles throughout the month of March and raise funds for our life-changing mental health treatment for veterans. Not only is March in March a fantastic way to show your organisation’s support for veterans, but it also provides a great opportunity for you and your colleagues to get walking and talking. Click here to find our more and register your group today: https://ow.ly/POxw50UgxBt #VeteransCharity #FundraisingEvent #TeamCombatStress

Imagine creating a space where veterans and their support networks can access life-changing knowledge. That’s exactly what Combat Stress achieved by embracing collaborative learning. With Andrew Veevers and his team at the helm, they built a community that empowers 450+ veterans and their network while also supporting Combat Stress team members with onboarding, leadership development, and so much more. This is more than training—it’s about connection, collaboration, and making a real impact. ✨ Swipe through to see how Combat Stress turned learning into a lifeline.