Research Suggests Public's Misguided Perception Of Veteran's Mental Health

New research has found that the public overestimates how much the armed forces are affected by mental health problems following their service.

Lord Ashcroft, who represents the Veterans’ Transition Review, said:

"Military service can be dangerous, and those who need help after they have served should get the very best available.

“But the great majority of those leaving the Forces go on to lead normal, healthy, productive lives.

“They have a vast amount to offer. The idea that they are likely to be damaged is wrong, and creates a barrier both to those seeking civilian work, and to recruitment into the Armed Forces.

“That is why my report calls for the government to adopt a new approach to changing these misguided perceptions."

The report found that the average estimate of veterans with physical, emotional or mental health problems was 54%.

Over three quarters believed that mental health problems were more likely to occur in former members of the Forces than people in general.

Whilst 82% of the public thought mental health issues were among the most common problems faced by people leaving the Forces.

65% believed that "problems adjusting to a civilian environment" were prevalent, and 41% saw “problems finding a good new job” as a key issue.

In focus groups, members of the public associated Service leavers with qualities including discipline and leadership, but often spontaneously raised problems including mental health disorders, aggression, addiction and homelessness.

In from 2014 to April 2017, only 13.4% of those leaving the Forces were medically discharged, with just 2.37% being discharged due to a mental health condition.

In his report, Lord Ashcroft recommends that changing this perception should be a task for the newly established Veterans Board, drawing on expertise from outside Whitehall. He concludes:

 "Improvements will not come from doing more of what we are doing now, or even doing it better.

"It will require a new approach, bringing in expertise that government offices do not have, and must be driven with leadership and sustained energy at the highest level."

Lord Ashcroft also reiterated concerns, raised in previous reports, that provision throughout the UK remains uneven, with Service leavers and veterans in Northern Ireland still at a disadvantage compared to those in England, Scotland and Wales.