Afghanistan: Calls to veteran charities from ex-soldiers seeking help surge after Taliban takeover

The rapid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the government's handling of the crisis has triggered a surge in calls from veterans seeking support for their mental health, a charity has revealed.

On average, Combat Stress's helpline receives 31 calls a day from veterans, but this number doubled to more than 70 on Monday after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital.

The charity attributes much of the demand to the Afghanistan crisis evoking painful memories in the British veterans who fought in the conflict, which began in 2001 and claimed the lives of 457 British personnel.

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Dr Walter Busuttil, is a consultant psychiatrist and former wing commander in the RAF. Credit: Combat Stress

Dr Walter Busuttil, a consultant psychiatrist and former wing commander in the RAF, told ITV News the country's deteriorating security situation has left many former service personnel feeling their efforts were in vain.

"Veterans in general, but particularly those who fought in Afghanistan, are feeling very let down now. They feel their service was worthless and what they did was futile," he said.

"What I understand is that the veterans who have been calling the helpline this week have been upset about what has happened.

"If there is a big trigger- like the events we have been seeing on TV - then it can bring back the experiences of the tour, leaving some feeling emotionally numb."

Taliban fighters patrol in Kabul, Afghanistan. Credit: AP

Dr Busuttil, who has treated Afghanistan veterans since 2007, said the Combat Stress helpline, which typically takes 31 calls per day, received some 180 calls in the first three days of this week.

He believes the Taliban capture of Afghanistan has provoked a sort of "moral injury" to veterans who fought in the conflict to help build a more secure future for the country's civilians.

"Those who have had depression or PTSD as a result of combat will now have to work out whether their role in Afghanistan was worthwhile. Did they lose a limb for nothing? Did they lose a friend for nothing," Dr Busuttil added.

The comments come after Joe Biden said there wasn’t anything his administration could have done to avoid the chaos witnessed in Kabul over the last few days, and stood by the country’s withdrawal.

  • The Combat Stress helpline is: 0800 138 1619

  • PTSD Resolution helpline: 0300 302 0551

If you are in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123 or through their website.