101 years of Combat Stress

Shortly after the end of the First World War, our founders saw how servicemen returning with shell shock received little to no sympathy from the public. Struggling with what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans were either locked away in mental war hospitals or had to suffer in silence at home.

But our founders believed that with the right support, veterans could be helped to lead fulfilling lives despite their mental health problems. On 12 May 1919, Combat Stress was founded. Taking a stand against the contempt and misunderstanding around mental health at the time, our founders began fundraising to introduce recuperative homes for veterans, where they could take part in occupational activities to help them rebuild their lives.

Over time we developed our services, our 24-hour Helpline, and online resources which are more valuable than ever right now during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The way everyone talks about mental health has changed in recent years too and with Mental Health Awareness week coming up (18-24th May) we're continuing to raise awareness of veteran mental health issues.

Although much has changed over the last 101 years, the mental health problems veterans can face are the same as they were in 1919.

We know that invisible illnesses can be just as hard to cope with as physical ones. We want to be able to help every former serviceman and woman who needs our unique mental health treatment – today, tomorrow and in the years to come.