Caroline
Updated on
Caroline served in the British Army, deploying to some of the world’s most challenging environments. Her military life was filled with purpose. But her service came to an abrupt end.
In crisis? Find out how you can get urgent support
If you need support urgently or outside of our working hours, please don’t hesitate to contact
SAMARITANS
Freephone their national helpline on 116 123 (24/7) to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts
SHOUT
A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258
NHS 111
To access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.
COMBAT STRESS
For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 1381619.
SHELTER
For urgent housing support, please call 0808 800 4444.
Feeling distant, switched off, or not quite yourself can happen quietly. You don’t have to disappear before you ask for help.
This World Mental Health Day (10 October), we’re shining a light on the moments when life feels heavier than usual. The times when you might be present on the outside but struggling underneath.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, you’re not alone. Many veterans experience periods of withdrawal, low mood, or feeling “absent within ordinary life” after service. Support is here whenever you’re ready, whether you want to talk to someone, explore practical tools, or take small steps toward feeling more like yourself again.
On this page you can learn about Hidden Wounds, our mental health therapy service, as well as Recovery College, self-help guides and resources.
Hidden Wounds
Hidden Wounds is our free, confidential mental health service for veterans and their families. Our trained therapists can help with a wide variety of conditions that may be affecting their mental wellbeing. This includes depression, anxiety, anger, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you think you could benefit from talking to one of our mental health professionals, just get in touch. To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.
Recovery college and self-help guides
Not everyone is ready for therapy — and that’s okay. Our self‑help guides and Recovery College resources offer practical ways to build resilience, manage emotions, and understand your mental health. Courses include -
Explore all coursesResource Hub
This resource hub is designed to provide you and your family with practical guidance and support on the topics that matter most - from health and mental wellbeing to skill development and finding your place in your community. We have a wide range of mental health related articles that you might find useful, including -
- Movement for mental health
- The impact of community on mental health
- Meditation and mindfulness techniques
- Coping with multiple mental health conditions
- How to encourage someone to talk about their mental health
Inspiring stories
Corie's Story
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Corie joined the Household Cavalry in 2005 and was the first Barbadian to ride the ceremonial gate to escort the Queen. But his life changed when his armoured vehicle hit an IED.
Jean M
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Jean was discharged from the Army for being gay, due to the cruel historic ban on homosexuality. The trauma this caused has derailed her life ever since. She's only now starting to find peace.