Mental Health Awareness Week: Supporting Our Veterans Beyond the Battlefield

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Regiment Support Service (RSS) stands in solidarity with all those facing mental health challenges—especially the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life is a profound shift. For many veterans, the end of service marks the beginning of a new, often difficult, journey. While some adapt smoothly, others face hidden battles: PTSD, anxiety, depression, isolation, and the lingering effects of trauma experienced during service.

The Hidden Wounds of War

Unlike physical injuries, mental health struggles can remain unseen—yet they are no less real or debilitating. Veterans may find it hard to talk about their experiences, feel disconnected from friends or family, or struggle with a loss of identity after leaving the structured world of the military.

Common challenges faced by ex-service personnel include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Depression and anxiety

• Alcohol and substance misuse

• Feelings of isolation or lack of purpose

• Difficulty finding employment or housing
  

You Are Not Alone

If you’re a veteran—or someone who knows one—struggling with mental health issues, please know this: help is available, and recovery is possible. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Here are some trusted organisations ready to help:

Combat Stress

Website: www.combatstress.org.uk Helpline: 0800 138 1619 (24/7) Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They provide confidential, specialist support for PTSD, anxiety, and depression through therapy, peer support, and treatment programmes.

SSAFA Forcesline

Website: www.ssafa.org.uk Helpline: 0800 260 6767 SSAFA offers emotional and practical support to veterans and their families. Their Forcesline is a free, confidential helpline providing advice and a listening ear.

The Samaritans

Website: www.samaritans.org Helpline: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) Available to anyone in distress, the Samaritans provide round-the-clock emotional support for those struggling to cope. You don’t have to face things alone.

Taking Action and Staying Connected

Here are some practical steps veterans can take to support their own mental health:

• Talk to someone – Whether it’s a friend, family member, GP, or helpline, speaking up is the first step to healing.

• Stay physically active – Exercise can be a powerful mood booster.

• Connect with other veterans – Shared experiences can create powerful bonds and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms – Alcohol or withdrawal may provide short-term relief but worsen mental health in the long run.

• Ask for professional help – Therapies for PTSD and other conditions have helped thousands of veterans rebuild their lives.
  

Our Ongoing Commitment

At RSS, we believe that supporting veterans means more than remembrance. It means taking meaningful, practical action to help them live full, dignified lives. As part of our mission, we continue to donate to frontline charities delivering mental health support, housing, and welfare services to those who’ve served.

To all those battling invisible wounds: you are not forgotten, and you are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the organisations above—or contact us at RSS and we’ll help you find the right support.