The Forgotten Fallen? Young soldiers most vulnerable
Two mothers whose sons committed suicide a week apart last month are campaigning to raise awareness of their suicide.
The battle against suicide in America's military
In the United States, suicides in the military have claimed more lives than the fighting.
The Forgotten Fallen? Invisible wounds of Afghanistan
Soldier Liam Smith suffers terrible mental trauma. He believes the Taliban are in his wardrobe. He's even tried to carve off his face.
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Forgotten Fallen? Useful links
For a list of useful charities and organisations dealing with soldiers' mental health issues, see this article.
Transition process for veterans
Veterans already undergoing treatment for mental health issues who are due to leave the forces, receive mental health treatment from the military for six months before being handed over to the NHS, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
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Health of veterans is "priority", Department of Health says
The Department of Health says the health of veterans is a "priority" for the government.
In a statement, it said:
"The suicide of anyone is a tragedy, but it isparticularly sad when it is of someone who has sacrificed so much in theservice of their country. The health of veterans, including their mentalhealth, is a priority issue for this Government, with £2million made availablein 2010/11 and £1.8million a year over the following four years.
“We have set up initiatives to help provide support and care for veterans and their families including the 24 hour Combat Stress Helpline; The Big White Wall, and a number of dedicated veterans' mental health services. Further regional launches are expected over the coming months.
These services provide psychological treatment and support specifically tailored to meet the needs of ex-service personnel and their families, in a sensitive manner.”
The Forgotten Fallen? Young soldiers most vulnerable
Two mothers whose sons committed suicide a week apart last month are campaigning to raise awareness of their suicide.
Read the full storyMother talks of heartbreak of soldier's suicide
Mary Fells, the mother of Private Ashley Clarkson, describes the day her son died.
23-year-old Iraq vet Ashley Clarkson committed suicide last month.
His mother, Mary Fells, says more should have been done to help him when he was serving and when he was discharged.
The Forgotten Fallen? Where to go for support
- Combat Stress looks after men and women who are suffering from a psychological condition related to their career
- Big White Wall is a peer support network that allows people to be open about what's on their mind
- Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association gives help and assistance to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the armed forces
The Royal British Legion and Healing The Wounds also give help and advice to serving and former personnel.
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The battle against suicide in America's military
In the United States, suicides in the military have claimed more lives than the fighting.
Read the full storyScale of mental trauma affecting American troops
Latest figures show 20 per cent of serving members of the US military have been diagnosed with or report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Suicides claiming lives of former American military
- Male veterans are twice as likely to die by suicide as male non-veterans
- On average 18 veterans commit suicide each day
- It means that every 80 minutes a veteran dies by suicide
- Roughly a third of US soldiers who took their own lives had never been deployed abroad
Soldiers needing help 'vanish' after leaving the military
The US Government says it takes the welfare of former soldiers seriously. But the Department of Veteran Affairs says it's not always easy finding those who need help.
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