Why Help?
Evidence has shown that the majority of service men and women do not seek help with regard to combat related stress issues until 10-14 years after the event. Considering the United Kingdom’s recent Military commitments in Iraq, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan (with the numbers at any one time being as high as 15,000+), the figure for those potentially suffering from their experiences whilst on active service is substantial.
Britain’s soldiers, air personnel and sailors all put their lives on the line so that our lives may be safer. Even before they leave for a tour of duty they know that it is a well-known fact of warfare that some of them will suffer mental distress, because of what they will see and experience.
In and after World War One this distress was called “shell shock”. In World War Two, “battle fatigue”. Now it is more usually known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD. Whatever the name, the effects are the same - complete breakdown. PTSD shatters all normal functioning and social interaction. Soldiers, once brave and outgoing, become timid and fearful.