Adjusting to War Memories
Upsetting deployment memories can sometimes cause problems once
you leave the Armed Forces. If you are having a lot of
difficulty with your war memories, it is important to do something
about this.
We recommend that you talk to your GP or a mental health
professional so that they can help develop a plan to make you feel
better.
Guide
L2 Coping with
Trauma
Please note that while this website provides information, it is
not a substitute for consulting with a doctor or mental health
professional.
Organisations and Advice lines
Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, Royal Edinburgh
Hospital.
You can ask your GP to refer you here if you are having problems
adjusting to war memories
Combat Stress - the
ex-services mental welfare society.
Hollybush House, Ayrshire, KA6 7EA, 01292 560214. For 90
years, they have been providing respite, care and treatment for
ex-service personnel.
Assist Trauma Care – Answered by support workers and
trained
counsellors, who will listen and offer emotional first aid. They
are happy to
phone back if cost of call is a problem. Service will be accessed
through
the helpline. (Weekdays 10am-4pm) Tel: 01788 560800.
Breathing Space – A mental health helpline (daily 6pm –
2am).
Tel: 0800 83 85 87.
Rape and Abuse Line - Freephone helplines for men and women
who
have been affected by rape and/or abuse.
Mon – Fri 7pm–10pm Tel: 0808 800 0123 (answered by women).
Mon – Wed 7pm–10pm Tel: 0808 800 0122 (answered by men).
Samaritans – Confidential support for anyone in a crisis (24
hour).
Textphone: 08457 90 91 92 Tel: 08457 90 90 90.
Health In Mind: Counselling Service – Offers skilled counselling
support
to people wishing to address issues of childhood sexual abuse.
There is no
charge for this service. Tel: 0131 225 8508.
The following document is an American War Trauma Resource
listing of over 220 sites that you may find useful. The sites
that are listed have not been vetted and Veterans First Point
cannot be held liable for their accuracy, currency and
content.
Click
Here for access to American War Trauma Resource listing
document.
Websites
www.combatstress.org.uk
www.dial-a-law.org.uk (information
service for all legal matters)
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/health/atoz/ptsd
(Really helpful site
detailing causes, symptoms, treatment
and further resources)
www.edspace.org.uk (Provides
useful information about resources in
Edinburgh)
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/documents/contentmanage/directory
(A very useful directory of national and local East Lothian
services)
www.afterdeployment.org is
a US project that has been developed over the last three
years. It is well worth a look but bear in mind that it is
tailored to the American military.
Video Stories
The Afterdeployment
(US) website has many stories about health issues affecting
veterans.
This is an area where we are really keen to hear from veterans
that may like to participate in creating an online series of short
videos about their stories. If you would like to take
part in this, please contact us. We can record the
interview in a way that you remain anonymous if this is an issue
for you.