PTSD can cause years of misery, but did you know recovery is possible in a matter of weeks?

PTSD can cause years of misery, but did you know recovery is possible in a matter of weeks? Many of the veterans we support have experienced the debilitating symptoms of PTSD for decades yet with our expert treatment, rapid and life-changing recovery can quickly be achieved.

What are the barriers to getting help?

On average former military personnel wait 14 years from leaving the military before reaching out to us for help. The barriers to seeking help are varied but key factors include: 

• Stigma: for those who have served, self-stigma about getting help for their mental health can be a huge challenge. From their time in the Armed Forces, veterans have been trained to show no signs of vulnerability. They may see themselves as “weak” or “a failure”, and worry that seeking help means they are not living up to the values or expectations instilled during service. Many also feel that “others had it worse” or dismiss their own experiences with thoughts like “I was just doing my job.” This can lead to deep feelings of shame, guilt, or even unworthiness around seeking help. In addition, avoidance - one of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD, can make it especially difficult to seek help, as thinking or talking about the trauma can feel overwhelming or even unsafe.
• Understanding the signs and symptoms: identifying PTSD symptoms can be challenging as they can subtle, delayed or easily confused with other conditions. Some may also experience dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself and the world around you), memory gaps or physical symptoms such as chronic pain or fatigue, which can make PTSD harder to recognise. For many, symptoms build up gradually over time, and it isn’t until things feel overwhelming or start affecting relationships, work, or daily functioning that they realise something is seriously wrong. Many veterans tell us they knew something was wrong, they just didn’t know what was wrong. PTSD is different for everyone – our signs and symptoms list can help identify if we can help.
• Knowing where to seek help: Many veterans will turn to their GP for help initially, which can be an important first step. However, when symptoms emerge years after leaving service, the link to past military experiences may not always be immediately recognised, and PTSD can sometimes be missed or overshadowed. While veteran-focused NHS services are available and play a vital role, some veterans may require more intensive or specialist trauma-focused support - particularly if symptoms have been long-standing, complex, or haven’t responded to previous treatment. Services like Combat Stress offer care that is both trauma-specific and tailored to the unique experiences of those who have served.

Recovery in weeks

It is never too late to seek help for PTSD.

Even after 50 years of symptoms (yes, we have veterans who experience symptoms for that long before they seek help), meaningful recovery is still possible. With the right combination of specialist care, compassion and evidence-based treatment, significant change can occur in just a few weeks through our intensive treatment. This treatment typically involves multiple therapy sessions over a short period (generally several hours per day over two or three weeks). With intensive treatment, progress happens quickly, and veterans start to feel better faster. In fact, over 70% of veterans who complete our intensive treatment no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD, a recovery rate significantly higher than other mental health services. It’s important to note though that while intensive treatment is highly effective for many, it’s not the right fit for everyone. That’s why we offer a range of support options tailored to individual needs, ensuring every veteran gets the right care at the right time.

PTSD can destroy the life of a veteran and their family but with our help their lives can be transformed. For some, recovery means returning to work or education. For others, it’s simply being able to enjoy time with family, walk into a crowded room without fear, or sleep through the night.

 

“Many veterans live with the debilitating effects of PTSD for years but intensive treatment can transform their life in a matter of weeks. It can be truly life-changing – not only for the veteran but also for the families.”