Post Traumatic Stress
Female military personnel are more likely to report mental health issues than men according to statistics released by the MOD.
According to figures released by DASA, Defence Analytical Services and Advice, women are twice as likely to seek help.
However, Jean Marray from Combat Stress, a charity that provides treatment and support for veterans with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress, said:
“In our experience women are not coming to us at a higher rate.”
She added that like men they are reporting issues 14 years after active service. Jean felt that there was still a stigma attached to mental health issues, which stops people from coming forward.
“In the services people fear that they are no longer fit for duty and that it will effect their career and they will become a risk to their team. When it comes to mental health a lot more needs to be done.”
A full report into mental health issues in the military is due at the end of this month.
This news comes as The Sun reports David Cameron has pledged to spend more on ensuring that our military veterans suffering from post traumatic stress have better access to life long care.
The Director of fundraising and communications at Combat Stress said:
“A fresh look at the whole issue is a good idea”
In a statement on their website the Ministry of Defence said:
“We attach a high priority to increasing awareness of stress-related disorders, and to their diagnosis and treatment.”