War in Ukraine is triggering veterans warns social work-led charity
Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 18 May, 2022
A social work-led charity supporting veterans has seen an increase in referrals from ex-military personnel retraumatised by the war in Ukraine.
Forward Assist says symptoms include increased anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and “media induced hopelessness”, intrusive thoughts and suicidal ideation.
Chief executive Tony Wright warned scenes of bombings, civilian casualties and military conflict broadcast daily in the news were triggering to some veterans, particularly those who had seen armed combat.
“The last two months has brought a tidal wave of new referrals from men and women who have served in past conflicts seeking health and support,” he said.
“We often forget that soldiers are often casualties of war too. Like their predecessors in all wars, those who return to civilian life have their heads filled with traumatic memories that may last the rest of their lives.
“While every individual reacts differently, the exposure to traumatic events increases a soldier’s chance of having PTSD or a debilitating mental health disorder.”
Wright, a former Marine who became a social worker after being medically discharged from the navy, wants social work to be more involved in supporting veterans.
He believes all social work teams should contain at least one practitioner trained to work with people who have been in the forces to coordinate their care and support.
He said: “The role of a social worker in providing care for veterans has never been more important.
“Social workers are highly trained professionals working to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of those individuals who are struggling.
“They are in the best position to help and support veterans and their families through either direct practice, crisis intervention, care coordination, community organising and person-centred care.
“As I have advocated in the past, UK social workers should train to specialise in providing and coordinating multi-disciplinary support to those that have put themselves in harm’s way to protect us at times like this.”
Wright believes “toxic masculinity” and a lack of “emotional vocabulary” on top of being institutionalised while in the forces makes it difficult for many veterans in civilian life.
In the most tragic cases, some ex-military personnel have taken their own lives, such as Wesley McDonnell who suffered PTSD after 20 years in the army including tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Armed Forces Covenant commits society to support those who have served in the military.
However, Wright believes many are under the radar and instead represented in homelessness services, drug and alcohol use, unemployment and criminal justice.