If you are in emotional distress or despair call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and speak to a counsellor immediately.

For support or information about mental health, call our Infoline team on 0808 189 0036

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You carried a lot during your tour/s… duty, grit, and the parts of your story that don’t fit neatly into words. If you’re reading this, maybe you’re tired of holding it all alone. This page is here to meet you where you are, with respect, practical steps, and a path away from stigma and shame.

Why mental health matters after service

The transition from service to civilian life can be difficult. Routines change, purpose shifts, and you may experience new feelings. Feeling on edge at speaking to people or being places, withdrawn from the things you enjoyed doing and even feelings of anger at the ones you love. 

These feelings are not signs of weakness – they are signs your body and mind are trying to make sense of what you’ve lived through. 

There are many common challenges veterans face:

  • Hypervigilance: Feeling “always on” or scanning for threats, even in safe places.

  • Moral injury: Wrestling with events that challenged your sense of right and wrong.

  • Isolation: Pulling back because you don’t want to burden others or be misunderstood.

  • Sleep disruption: Nightmares, early waking, or trouble winding down.

  • Shame and stigma: The belief you should “handle it yourself,” even when you’re hurting.

You may be experiencing these challenges. And if you are, we are here to tell you that there is support for you. Recognising you need professional help is sometimes the first step towards recovery.

Finding support that fits you

  • Professional support: Therapists, counsellors, and peer groups can help you make sense of how you are feeling and build coping strategies tailored to you. If you have concerns about your mental health, consider speaking with a professional like your GP.

  • Peer connection: Fellow veterans often understand how you are feeling without a lot of explaining. Look for local veteran meetups like Roadmap to Recovery groups or online communities to chat to other like minded people.

  • Personal network: Identify 2–3 people who you trust and who are willing to respect your boundaries. Let them know the best way to support you.

  • Purpose and routine: Volunteering, part-time work, or structured projects can restore meaning and routine without overwhelming you.

You are not alone. Breaking silence is an act of courage. Every time you speak out, you chip away at stigma – for yourself and for others walking the same path.

Looking for support?

Veteran Specific Support:

Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI): Home of the VWS NI formerly the UDR and R IRISH (HS) Aftercare Service, this website provides information about our welfare support services to veterans, their families and other stakeholders in the veterans’ community. 

Mental Health Support

Right Support Right Time provides information and signposting for people in Northern Ireland including our veteran community. It is a service for people seeking support, looking for information, or if they want to have chat about mental health. Inspire Infoline 0808 189 003.

If the risk is immediate…

  • Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 – Lifeline is the Regional Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing crisis. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.  Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000.
  • Call the emergency services 999 – If you’re having suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a serious mental health crisis, call the emergency services for immediate help.
  • Speak to your GP – Your GP can talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.
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