Veterans’ charity sees 40% spike in demand as lockdown impacts PTSD sufferers

Many veterans feel vulnerable in approaching mainstream mental health services with armed forces-related problems due to concerns that their security background could be leaked to terrorists.

Beyond the Battlefield says veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been looking for help in increasing numbers.

The condition causes insomnia, flashbacks and feelings of isolation.

Beyond the Battlefield chairman Robert McCartney said: “In the first 10 weeks of lockdown we have 30% more requests for help than normal. Then during the last four or five weeks that jumped up a further 10%, so it is now 40% higher than normal.

“Many of the issues relate to the pressures of lockdown on jobs, marriages, domestic situations and alcohol.”

Johnstone Kirkpatrick, who served with the First Battalion Irish Rangers up to 1993, is among those who have turned to the charity for mental health support during lockdown.

He suffers from lung cancer, psoriasis and PTSD, and said he struggled to cope with the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

“I live on my own so it was difficult at times, being on your own. It’s like a dark place, especially with the PTSD,” he told the BBC.

He added: “It was a quiet time in my life but it lets you think more about things and sometimes you’re in dark places.”

The charity was funded for a covid impact programme on behalf of the MoD via the Armed Forces Covenant.

Beyond the Battlefield tel 028 9122 8389

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