Veterans told: it’s good to talk about mental health

CHARITY Combat Stress will mark World Mental Health Day today with the launch of its campaign in Edinburgh to battle the stigma of psychological disorders that prevent many veterans from seeking help.

Combat Stress’s campaign, funded by Comic Relief, will address the stigma that surrounds veterans’ mental health disorders and raise awareness of the charity’s services.

A recent survey carried out by Combat Stress found that 81 per cent of veterans who responded felt ashamed or embarrassed about their mental ill health. There are 46 veterans in the Capital, aged 26 to 73, who are receiving support from Combat Stress.

Robert Lappin, regional welfare officer in Scotland, said: “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 get.”