The Impact of Operation Pitting: withdrawal from Afghanistan
UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan
We asked Dr Lee Robinson, Lead Clinical Psychologist, about the continued impact on veterans one year on
Afghanistan was a complex theatre of operations, a war spanning two-decades, with the deployment of 150,000 UK military personnel.
Of those deployed, 457 lost their lives alongside many more from allied forces and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
In addition to those who tragically lost their lives, many more veterans continue to live with the impact of significant physical and psychological injury. The impact of Afghanistan is likely to be felt for years to come.
We continue to receive new referrals from veterans who face a variety of challenges relating to their experiences in Afghanistan.
Some veterans already in treatment, have also been affected by Op Pitting and the withdrawal of allied troops from Afghanistan in 2021.
Impact of Op Pitting on the veteran community
How the withdrawal has affected veterans and their loved ones
The challenges faced by veterans and their families are many, beginning often with difficult transitions into civilian life.
The majority of veterans we see experience complex mental health difficulties; a collection of co-existing and inter-related problems, each requiring careful attention.
Living alongside a veteran experiencing complex mental health problems related to their military service, can have adverse outcomes on personal relationships and the health of family members.
On average it takes about 11 years for veterans to seek help. During this time, the impact of mental health problems and unhelpful methods of coping on the veterans families and support network increase, making the recovery journey more complicated. Military partners have been highlighted as a particularly high-risk group for developing health problems.
A study by Combat Stress found that among a sample of partners of UK veterans with PTSD, 45% met case criteria for alcohol problems, 39% for depression, 37% for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and 17% for symptoms of probable PTSD.
What is moral injury?
Moral injury is an important consideration when treating veterans of all conflicts. During the two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, our deployed personnel, and their families and friends, have made profound sacrifices which challenge mind, body, and soul. They do so, assured that their cause is morally just and good peoples' lives will be protected and improved.
For some, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power has left them feeling frustrated, angry and betrayed; questioning whether the loss of life and broader sacrifice was worth it.
For those service personnel who were part of Op Pitting, participating in or enforcing the decisions which separated families and determined who would board the plane to safety, leaves a great deal of potential to have experienced a potentially morally injurious event.
Those reporting moral injury experience higher levels of guilt, anger, shame, depression and social isolation responses, and potentially have different treatment needs as a result.
How can we support veterans
It is important to help veterans prepare for any anniversary well in advance, making plans for healthy distractions.
It is important to help our veterans pay respect to and remember the fallen in an authentic way that works for them.
We can help by reminding our veteran's loved ones and friends, that their distress is normal in the circumstances, but is temporary, and fluctuates in intensity.
Help them to take each day as it comes, step by step, anticipating bad days and being compassionate when they arrive.
Remind our veterans that UK servicemen and women helped to bring peace and relative stability to Afghanistan for almost 20 years, and removed the threat of terrorism toward the West during that same period. Furthermore, hospitals, schools and infrastructure was improved. Girls were able to study and attend school, women were able to work, to drive and take positions of leadership and authority. A nation of young men and women experienced a more positive lifestyle and culture in which they could thrive. A seed from which a more equal, democratic and prosperous society may grow.
Offer space to talk, without pressure to do so. We’re encouraging veterans, particularly those who served in Afghanistan and who are struggling with their mental health, to call our 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 or visit our website combatstress.org.uk.