Statement on Ukraine - March 2022

For some veterans, their family and friends, the news from Ukraine is triggering difficult thoughts and painful memories as they recall the impact of war and feeling under constant threat. We’ve been experiencing a rise in calls to our Helpline as a result of the news coverage and many veterans have told us how the situation in Ukraine is causing anxiety, hypervigilance, and memories of traumatic experiences to resurface.

It’s understandable to be feeling all sorts of emotions at this time. You may feel your threat dial going up or that you’re on high alert, and this can take a toll on your mental health. Whatever you’re feeling, you are not alone. Help is available

Combat Stress has been supporting veterans for over a hundred years, and we specialise in veterans’ complex mental health needs resulting from military trauma. If you’d like to talk to someone, or find out more about our specialist mental health treatment and how we can help, then please contact our Helpline, free, on 0800 138 1619.

Alternatively, you can email our specialist team at helpline@combatstress.org.uk or text 07537 173 683 (standard charges may apply). Please talk. 

It’s vital at this time that we unite – so remember to check in on each other and encourage friends and family to talk about their feelings and seek help if necessary.

Many people, civilians and veterans will have been moved by the situation in Ukraine. Some have no doubt felt compelled to support Ukraine in a variety of ways and veterans and trained operatives may feel compelled to respond to an internal call to arms. Please visit our Ukraine webpage to find tips on managing these feelings, as well as information on the support we can offer veterans and their loved ones.