Can We Help You - Info 1

Many of the veterans that seek our help, know that something isn't right (often for years), they just don't know what is wrong. We provide specialist clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, focusing on those with PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and moral injury resulting from their experiences during military service. To help understand if our services might be right for you, take a look at the list below. If you find some of the symptoms are similar to how you feel, talk to us.  

• Were there times during your military service when you felt you may die, or be seriously injured, or witnessed the death, near death or serious injury to others?
• Have you heard of the death, threat of death or serious injury of others who were important to you?
• Have you experienced bullying, sexual harassment or assault, or domestic violence during your service?
• Do you find yourself feeling back in those specific moments as if they are happening to you again, what we might call flashbacks whilst awake, or nightmares whilst asleep, accompanied by terrible thoughts and images, smells, sounds or physical sensations of the events of the past?
• Perhaps you find yourself avoiding reminders of the event, ‘triggers’, to limit the frequency of those experiences of being ‘back there’?
• Have you experienced, witnessed or carried out acts, events or circumstances that have deeply challenged your sense of right and wrong, or faith in humanity?
• As a result of these experiences, do you find yourself being more alert and on edge, irritable and restless?
• As a result of these experiences, do you find it difficult to manage the intensity of your emotions, struggle with feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt and anger?
• As a result of these experiences, are you withdrawing from the people and the things you love, or do you find yourself withdrawing from socialising or hobbies you previously enjoyed?

If these difficulties strike a chord with you, we may be able to help.

However:

• If these difficulties strike a chord but are mainly the result of pre-military (e.g. childhood) or post-military service experiences, you may wish to contact Op Courage services in England (follow this link for contact details: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS) , NHS Veterans Wales in Wales, NHS services in Scotland and your GP in Northern Ireland who will be able to refer you to the most appropriate local service.
• If you have received a diagnosis of Personality Disorder (Such as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder), Psychosis, Bipolar Affective Disorder, or mental health difficulties other than PTSD/C-PTSD, please discuss service options with your GP, local Community Mental Health Teams or Op Courage. If you feel strongly that your diagnosis should be reviewed, this should be arranged through local services prior to a referral to Combat Stress where possible.
• If you are currently open to another service for your mental health needs such as Op Courage, CMHT or other, please ensure that you discuss your care needs with them in the first instance. In such cases, it may be preferable for a professional to make a referral on your behalf, or to discuss options with us prior to a referral being made.
• Are you drinking alcohol excessively or even dangerously?
• drinking in excess of 35 units of alcohol per week for women, and 50 units per week for men (e.g. 22 pints of 4% beer; 6 bottles of 13% wine, 1.25 litres of 40% spirits)?
• unable to limit your drinking
• neglecting responsibilities
• being secretive about your drinking habits
• when you stop drinking, you suffer from “the shakes”, sweating, nausea or vomiting, insomnia, restlessness and in severe cases seizures

If any of the above sound familiar, then you may have an alcohol dependency. In these circumstances your health may be at risk.

You should consult with your GP and/or seek specialist alcohol and substance misuse specialist services in your area in the first instance.
 

• If you are primarily concerned about the stability of your accommodation, your finances, your employment or your social, educational needs, please consider contacting the Royal British Legion, SSAFA or similar military charity who can support you with these concerns. Details of services in your area catering for specific areas of concern can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans,
• Please note, we do not provide Psychiatric Diagnosis purely for the purposes of Armed Forces Compensation/Military Pension claims.