Mental illness can affect anyone, including serving members and retired members of the Armed Forces and their families. After traumatic events, it is perfectly normal to experience anxiety or depression but it can be difficult to deal with. For some people having the support of family and friends can help them to cope, but for others it can help to have someone else to talk to or turn to for support, advice or clinical care and treatment.

It is vital that you register with an NHS GP and tell them you have served in the armed forces so that you can access NHS dedicated services for veterans. Please don’t assume that your surgery will have this information. You can read more about these services on the NHS website which gives more information about NHS support and treatment both for veterans and those transitioning out of services. It also provides more information if you are suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is also a useful leaflet which you can download here.

PTSD Resolution provide free, prompt, local face to face and on-line counselling through their 200 therapists UK-wide, tel: 0300 302 0551 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). Outside of office hours your call will be transferred to the Veteran’s Gateway Out of Hours service.

There is also a lot of useful information on some of the charity websites like Combat Stress - the UK’s leading charity for veteran’s mental health - who provide specialist treatment and support for veterans.

The Armed Forces charity SSAFA also has information on its website providing mental wellbeing support including coping with stress and bereavement. The Royal British Legion also has information and advice that you may find useful including details of its recovery centres, recovery through art programme, the Invictus games and crisis support. ABF The Soldier’s charity (the Army’s National charity) can also provide grants and financial support to veterans and their dependants for a range of issues including emotional wellbeing and mental health. Tel: 020 7901 8900

Amicus Trust may be able to provide up to two years' accommodation for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They also offer a range of services including mental health and life skills to support individuals as they rebuild their lives. Tel: 0123 435 8478.

The Veteran’s Gateway, which is made up of a consortium of organisations and Armed Forces charities, including amongst others The Royal British Legion, SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, Combat Stress and Connect Assist, brings together a wide range of resources including self-help resources and information about local support available. They also operate a helpline 24/7 where you can talk to one of their friendly advisors tel: 0808 808 1212, or you can text the service on 81212, chat live online or email via their website.

If you feel you are really struggling and have reached a crisis point then please speak to someone either on the national helpline for veterans in a crisis tel: 0808 1914 2 18 or the Samaritans on 116 123. You can also click on the yellow crisis support button at the top of this page.