Charity: Sharp increase in Afghan veterans treated for PTSD

The number of British veterans of the Afghanistan conflict who have received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder has increased by more than 800% over the last five years, figures from a mental health charity indicate.

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Charity: 800% rise in Afghan veterans treated for PTSD

Combat Stress told ITV News it has seen a rise in veterans being treated for PTSD. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

The number of British veterans of the Afghanistan conflict who have received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder has increased dramatically over the last five years, figures from a mental health charity indicate.

Combat Stress told ITV News it treated 102 Afghan war veterans for PTSD in March 2010.

Five years later, in March 2015, that number had risen dramatically to 945.

826%
Increase in the number of veterans treated for PTSD by Combat Stress between 2010 and 2015

Additional statistics on PTSD treatment from Combat Stress also show that on average veterans wait approximately 13 years before seeking treatment for the condition.

Veterans' charity: 'No time limit' for PTSD treatment

Combat Stress, a mental health charity for veterans, has said there is no time limit on treatment for people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In an interview on ITV's lunchtime news Simon Weston said there was a time limit for receiving help but the charity has clarified that this is not the case.

Combat Stress is currently supporting over 5,600 ex-Service personnel who have served in every conflict since the Second World War.

There is no time limit on our help for UK Veterans.

We provide free, specialist clinical treatment programmes in residential centres and in the community for those suffering from psychological injuries, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Since 1919 we have supported over 100,000 Veterans and continue to support all Veterans with mental ill-health who need our help.

Contact our 24-hour Helpline on 0800 138 1619 or visit www.combatstress.org.uk

– Combat Stress

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Falklands veteran Weston calls for 'care after combat'

Falklands War veteran Simon Weston has told ITV News there needs to be "proper care after combat" to ensure returning troops "get taken care of".

Weston, who was aboard the Sir Galahad when it was destroyed during the Falklands War, said, "There is no peace dividend in reality because the cost is still there after combat."

He warned service personnel returning with post-traumatic stress disorder can turn to drink and to drugs, saying, "There is a real issue around that because then we see people falling foul of the law."

For more information call Weston's charity Care After Combat on 0300 343 0255 or visit their website.

Surge in PTSD cases expected after Afghan return

The head of leading military charity Ssafa has exclusively told ITV News the battle is just beginning as they brace themselves for the return of Afghan veterans.

Chief executive David Murray warned the charity is expecting a surge in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder following the return of troops from Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan might be off the front pages, the troops may have come home from Afghanistan, but for some people Afghanistan will never leave them," Murray said.

For more information call Ssafa's helpline on 0800 7314880 or visit their website.

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