Spotting the key signs of stress

Whether you’re still serving or have left the Armed Forces, you know the job can be both amazingly rewarding but also one heck of a challenge. 

The impact of major events in your working life may not show their true effect(s) until long after the events that may have triggered them. 

We pride ourselves on being there for our members which is why – as we enter Stress Awareness Month – we wanted to outline some of the NHS’ most common signs of stress and burnout to watch out for. 

Even when removing COVID from the equation; the intense demands of the job, risk of personal harm and emotional suffering, the struggle to connect/reconnect with family not to mention the difficulty transitioning back to civvy life – all mean it’s not uncommon for our members to feel under immense pressure both at home and when on-duty. 

Sometimes however, it can be hard to pick up on whether you or your pals are just having an ‘off day’ or whether it’s something more persistent that needs to be dealt with.  

Keep an eye out and make time for yourself if you feel: 

- Consistently feeling overwhelmed 

- Difficulty concentrating 

- Regularly feeling irritable and easily frustrated 

- Constantly feeling anxious and insecure 

- A general feeling of apathy and indifference 

- Isolation or disconnection from others 

- Regularly feeling exhausted and having trouble sleeping 

- Eating, drinking or smoking more than usual 

If any of the above sound familiar or if you feel like you’re struggling, don’t stay silent. 

Protect your mental health and talk about how you’re feeling with someone you know or – if you need to – those with the professional skills to offer practical unbiased support.  

The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Just call 116 123  

All Call Signs is a peer support network specifically dedicated to veterans, serving personnel and their families, and their Peer Support Workers are available seven days a week when you call 023 9438 7914   

Anxiety UK runs a helpline staffed by volunteers who each have personal experience with anxiety. It’s available between 9:30-5:30, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774  

SSAFA offers face-to-face guidance and support to servicemen and women, veterans and their families 

Op COURAGE will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support and treatment no matter how long ago you many have left the armed forces.