More than 1,000 veterans seek mental health support

More than 1,000 Military veterans seek mental health support

Since it was launched in September 2011, 1182 veterans from around the North West have been referred to the Military Veterans’ Service for help with their mental health, with half coming from Greater Manchester.

The news comes in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday this weekend, where veterans and supporters around the country will gather to remember those who have lost their lives during military service.

Whilst the majority of veterans leave the forces without any lasting mental effects, research suggests that they are less likely to recognise or accept the need for help when they do have problems.

The North West provides almost 25% of the recruits to UK Army infantry, and a significant proportion of Army reservists, both of which groups are at higher than average risk of developing mental health problems related to their service. In the first 23 months of operation, the Military Veterans’ Service received 1110 referrals, over 80% of which were ex-Army personnel.

The Military Veterans’ Service is provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and works with anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, including Reservists, and their immediate family members. It provides treatment for a range of conditions such as stress, anger, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A recent evaluation of the service by Manchester University found that the service does provide effective treatment for veterans’, even when they are experiencing a range of difficulties. This is partly because the service’s clinicians have a good understanding of the armed forces, which veterans’ can relate to, combined with using evidenced-based interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

The evaluation was based on a sample of 505 service users who had an assessment and one or more treatment sessions. It found that the service has more of an impact than prescribing antidepressants alone and that it is just as cost effective as mainstream NHS services when treating depression.

“The majority of clients have common psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety, some of which relates to difficulties associated with adjustment to civilian life,” said Dr Alan Barrett Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the Military Veterans’ Service.

“Others typically present with trauma histories and although mostly related to their time in the military, we also see a lot of clients with pre-service childhood or early adult trauma. Often they have multiple and complex issues, with high rates of offending behaviour, alcohol and drug use, and long term health conditions.

“We are pleased to hear that the independent evaluation demonstrated that the evidence-based psychological interventions we provide are not only clinically effective but are also cost effective.”

Reflecting on the help received from the service, a veteran said: “…through the course of my therapy I secured and maintained a four month contract. This is the first time since 1992 that I have been able to hold a job down and not be dumped for not fitting in or similar reasons. I have significantly reduced my drinking, addressed my housing situation and moved on to building new friends and interests.”

For more information visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/military-veterans