Armed Forces, veterans and suicide risk

Military personnel and veterans can face unique risks and challenges to their mental health. Exposure to highly stressful situations, long periods away from home and the difficulty of adjusting to civilian life can all have an impact on mental health (Combat Stress)

A survey of over 3,000 veterans and serving personnel found that although 52 percent of respondents were struggling with a mental health problem, 60 percent found it difficult to ask for help (NHS England, 2024).

1 in 8 UK Armed Forces were seen in military healthcare for a mental health related reason in 2022/23 (Ministry of Defence, 2023).

The factors that contribute to suicide risk are often complex and layered but some of the things experienced by those in the Armed Forces community can be contributory factors. These include:  

  • Combat experience - Exposure to combat situations can lead to traumatic experiences and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, which are known risk factors for suicide
  • Transition to civilian life - Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. Issues such as finding employment, reintegrating into society, and adjusting to a different lifestyle can exacerbate mental health problems.
  • Stigma - Research on British Armed Forces veterans found that highest mental health disorder prevalence was depression at 18 percent, followed by alcohol misuse at 17 percent, anxiety at 15 percent and post-traumatic stress disorder at three percent (Finnegan & Randles, 2023).

But stigma surround mental health and suicide can prevent veterans from talking openly about their struggles.

If you’re worried about someone you know, approaching the conversation with compassion, empathy and understanding can help create a supportive non-threatening environment. This can help someone to feel more comfortable to open up and seek help if needed.

Here are some tips:

  • Choose the right time and place
  • Share your concerns
  • Listen without judgement
  • Ask open ended questions
  • Respect boundaries
  • Encourage self-care
  • Encourage help-seeking

The Veteran and Suicide Awareness Training developed with Help for Heroes also shares advice and guidance.

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Find out about help and support available specifically for the Armed Forces Community on our support directory.