Armed forces and veteran’s mental health
Veterans and service leavers can face unique mental health difficulties, shaped by experiences that are often intense, complex, and deeply personal.
Transitions from military to civilian life, exposure to trauma, and the challenge of rebuilding routines and support networks can feel overwhelming. However, tailored information and support is available to help you navigate these changes.
Here you can find factsheets, tips and information, videos, podcasts, local resources, organisations and services in Edinburgh related to mental health difficulties facing veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions for our self-help pages, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk
Factsheets
These factsheets will help you understand mental health and wellbeing difficulties that members of the armed forces and veterans may face and what support is available.
Armed forces and mental health from the Mental Health Foundation
Tips and information
Here you will find tips and information designed to boost your wellbeing.
Mental health and wellbeing advice for veterans from Veterans’ Gateway
PTSD in military veterans information from HelpGuide
Information and guides for older veterans from Age Scotland
Practical guide to managing stress from Care After Combat
Local resources
Edinburgh Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans page
Useful pages on iThrive Edinburgh
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Organisations and services
Here is a list of organisations related to supporting members of the armed forces and veterans.
Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance
Sporting Memories Clubs across the Lothians
Veterans Drop in cafes with Change Mental Health
Armed Forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
Veterans Support from NHS Lothian
If you are looking for local support, please go to our service directory to find out what services and projects are available to you – iThrive Edinburgh service directory
Videos