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Veterans and Mental Health

Posted on October 10 2023 at 08:30

There are a lot of misconceptions about the prevalence of mental ill health, and PTSD in particular, among the veterans community.  

It’s true that some veterans do face challenges with mental health as a result of their Service, and mental health services and support remains an area in which we commonly hear about unmet need. We owe it to these veterans to ensure they have timely access to high-quality mental health care and support that is suitable for their needs, wherever they live in Scotland. That includes specialist support and treatment for those most severely impacted by trauma related conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression.  

However, to help address damaging stereotypes around veterans, it’s also important to acknowledge that the majority of veterans settle into civilian life without experiencing significant mental health issues, and that mental ill health, including PTSD, is experienced by the general population as well.  

For veterans who do experience challenges with their mental health, support is available to help them live well and make a positive contribution to civilian society.  

However, there are three key areas where we need to see further progress to help ensure this outcome: 

  • Greater awareness of the health and wellbeing implications of serving in and transitioning from the Armed Forces among health care professionals and support staff. My latest progress report showed very encouraging progress in this area, with a successful pilot scheme focused on educating General Practice staff set to be rolled out nationally. I look forward to seeing plans for a similar scheme developed for secondary care environments. 

  • Tackling the stigma within the Forces and veterans communities around seeking support for mental health. Evidence shows that early intervention significantly improves mental health outcomes, so tackling the reluctance to seek help within the community is key. An anti-stigma campaign delivered by See Me was well-received, but this is a large-scale change which will require continued long-term efforts. 

  • Implementation of the principles of the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan. The 2021 Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan, co-produced by the Scottish Veterans Care Network, was developed in response to an SVC recommendation published in 2018. I am concerned by delays in seeing this achieved as it is crucial in ensuring equal access to mental health and wellbeing support for veterans across Scotland Recent progress has been more encouraging and the Scottish Government must maintain this in order to deliver a timely and effective Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway. 

Implementation  

Through monitoring progress in these areas and continuing to listen to the voice of Scotland’s veterans community, I hope that we can continue improving support, services, and ultimately outcomes for our veterans.  

No veteran should ever suffer disadvantage as a result of their military service when accessing healthcare or mental healthcare services in Scotland.  

To read more about my assessment of mental health support and services for Scotland’s veterans, visit the health and wellbeing section of my latest annual progress report.  

 

Get more information about mental health support for veterans living in Scotland here. 

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Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
15 hours ago
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
1 day ago
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
6 days ago
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
1 week ago
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