Support

Service-related mental ill health

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex and debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life.

It is a psychological response to the experience of an event (or events) of an intensely traumatic nature.  These type of events often involve a risk to life – one's own or that of one's colleagues.

It is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or culture.

PTSD has been known to exist since ancient times, albeit under the guise of different names.

During the First World War it was referred to as "shell shock"; as "war neurosis" during WWII; and as "combat stress reaction" during the Vietnam War.  In the 1980s the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was introduced – the term we still use today

The Homeless Army

These stories are true; they are about real people. Some have left behind the problems that brought them to Veterans Aid and have asked that we share their experiences but not their identities. Their names are bracketed by commas.

Others have agreed to be named and identified. Every story is different, every tragedy unique, but VA's philosophy is a positive one.

CEO Hugh Milroy says: “Most people make the transition from Service to civilian life with no problem; they don't become homeless and they don't need further support. Others, through a combination of circumstances, and through no fault of their own, need help. That's why we're here.

“Our message is ‘Don't wait until you're desperate' ; we'd rather speak to people before they get into serious difficulties. Our core business is homelessness, but our expertise , understanding and linkages with other support agencies make us a gateway for help with a wide range of problems.”

'Fred'

‘Fred ‘ is a bright, dapper man with a twinkle in his eye and a treasure-chest of stories to tell. He's also 86-years old and, until recently, alone in the world.

When he arrived back in England after years living overseas the former Marine had only one ambition; to spend his remaining years in the country of his birth.

Without family, friends or anywhere to stay ‘Fred' arrived at Heathrow tired and without a clear plan. He was directed to London's Victory Services Club by a helpful airport information worker. It was a good call, because in a way ‘Fred' did have a family – he just didn't know it.

Every former serviceman and woman has access to support agencies and friends; their needs may differ, but the without a place to live to live other requirements pale into insignificance. ‘Fred' has cataracts, he can't drive and his health isn't great. But he now has a flat of his own on the coast - somewhere to display his pictures of giant salmon and tell fisherman's tales to his new friends. More at

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) testimonial

 

I was a soldier in the Royal Regiment of Wales from 1981-1986 and saw active service in Northern Ireland. During this tour I experienced several incidents that have plagued me since.
 

Following the completion of the tour I could not understand why my whole personality changed, I found that I was drinking to excess and getting angry and jumpy which affected my family and career and. I was experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, mood changes, sleepless nights, night sweats, depression anxiety and stress.  I did not seek help for these symptoms and did not speak to any mates as I did not want to be labelled as a fruit loop or basket case so I just put up and shut up so to speak.
 

On leaving the Army the symptoms continued and I did at one point 2 yrs after my discharge speak to my GP as the symptoms I was suffering with were getting worse.  I guess at that time I did not express myself clearly enough as once again I did not want to be labelled as a fruit loop and was embarrassed to be asking for help (maybe this is a soldier mind set).
 

The following years were no better my drinking increased my relationship with my wife and family deteriorated as I refused to accept that I had a problem.
 

It was only after 23 years where I physically could cope no longer and had to speak to my GP who referred me to the practice counsellor who after several sessions identified that I could be suffering with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) My GP referred me to the Community Mental health Team who informed me of a pilot project being funded by the MoD and Welsh Assembly Government for veterans with mental health Issues. Full Story