A study comparing mental health for civilians and veterans from the UK has found that men who have served in the armed forces normally have a higher probability of developing mental illnesses.
The study, developed by the University of Liverpool and King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, was recently published in Psychological Medicine. It notes prevalent issues include PTSD and alcohol abuse. Women who have served in the military were also noted to have a higher tendency for hazardous drinking as opposed to civilian women.
Serving in the military is no walk in the park, and some soldiers return with serious mental health issues. The study has tried to address the dearth of information on what mental health looks like for someone who has served in the armed forces, as opposed to someone who never went to war.
The data looked at 2,917 veterans in terms of PTSD, CMD and alcohol misuse. The subjects were veterans who had served in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. This dataset was then put against a similar pool of non-veterans, collected in 2014 through general population surveys.
Veterans have a 23% higher prevalence of CMD, as opposed to only 16% for non-veterans. PTSD stood at 8% for veterans, and 5% otherwise. Finally, alcohol abuse was 11% for former soldiers and almost half, i.e. 6%, for non-veterans.
Talking about the study, the lead author, Dr Laura Goodwin said: “Despite the majority adapting well to civilian life there appears to be a higher prevalence of mental health problems in male veterans compared to males in the general population and therefore an increased need for mental health support.”
Dr Deirdre MacManus, King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, said: “An obvious difference between those who have served in the UK military and those employed in other occupations is the experience of operational deployment. Interestingly, whilst our work suggests that deployment may partly explain the increased level of PTSD in veterans, it did not explain the increased prevalence of CMD or alcohol misuse.”
Professor Nicola Fear, King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, said: “This work has shown that both male and female veterans are drinking more than individuals of a similar age from the general population. It is crucial that there is better awareness within the UK Armed Forces of when alcohol use becomes problematic and that appropriate support is available for those who need it.”
You can read the full research here.
Hi there what is the purpose/mail goal of this research exactly? Veterans are highly at risk than civilians is it serious? you can ban me anytime thank you.
It seems too obvious to bother with, doesn’t it? But once peer reviewed matetial is put together and released, there is more chance of things like funding for those suffering and also the space to put pressure on for decent support. I know some soldiers get good support, but sadly I’ve known some who haven’t.
At face value, it does look like a No S*** Sherlock situation, but there is value to the study. ✌
That the reason love always wins in helping , guiding and understanding our veterans men and women, when to point out for that check up, to keep them calm and grounded, and far away from those trigger.
Alot has also navigate smoothly into the society, with the help of loving and understanding folks in our society.
Hi, I know I don’t understand and I am a total stranger but please feel free to talk to me. My inbox is open to anybody x
Mental health is a lonely scarey place to be ..you have to talk with people who genuinely understand and care..
Love heals all or at least it tries. Support is crucial to prevent isolation. When someone is hurting solitude is a place where darkness grows therefor support networks should be in place to prevent valuable and by that I mean all currant and ex personel from deteriorating with their mental health, accommodation, work etc. If you are prepared to die for your country your country should be there to “have your back”. You should not have to seek help, support should come to you.
I have never done this before. I really don’t understand .how to use my mobile. Hi my name is kathryn. My husband passed away in April. He tried to control me. I have a sishon puppy .well she is a year and a half old. I live in wales .uk I love cooking. And dancing. But I think that my dancing is over with. Especially when you get to my age.?it is really lonely when you’re on your own. Most of my family where in the forces. I can’t name them. I’m 57 going on. 27.i love DIY. I have nearly finished my entire house. It relaxes me. Who ever I’m texting . Please reply. In your own time. Please all of you out there take special care. Lots of love. Kxxx
My name is Denise . I no how mental effects different people I’ve worked in social care all my life apart from been a army brat at a young age . Losing my father at a early age who was in the army . Covid had a very big impact on my life watching my residents passing one by one and could do a damn thing to help but hold their hands . So it took effect I’m only human like everyone else I hope if you are struggling I can help by listening and been their .
What can civilian do to help? Was an alcohol abuser myself, dad was 36 years paratrooper!! He didn’t want me bringing the army home but, if I can help…