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 Feeling on edge at speaking to people or being places, withdrawn from the things you enjoyed doing and even feelings of anger at the ones you love.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?

Below are organisations that provide help and support to veterans:

 

  • Veterans Support NI– Veterans Support NI has information on a range of veterans organisations across NI – Veterans Support NI | Northern Ireland Veterans Charity
  • Combat Stress – Combat Stress provide provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service – combatstress.org.uk
  • Samaritans- Samaritans provides completely confidential emotional support face-to-face, via phone, email and letter, around the clock every day of the year, supporting people in emotional distress and vulnerable situations, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and Service families, with mental health issues, relationship breakdown and suicidal thoughts. In the military and Armed Forces Community | How we can help (samaritans.org)
  • Veterans UK – Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). They administer the Armed Forces Pension Schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. They also provide a package of free welfare and transition support for Service Personnel, Veterans and their families via a national Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and a helpline facility.​ Veterans UK helpline: 0808 1914 2 18.

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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