Let us take better care of our troops

EVERY day for the past five years a soldier has been discharged from the British Army on mental health grounds.

The Armed Forces are – by their nature – stressful and tough. Civilians find it difficult to understand the horrors of battle, or the pressures active service can put on a person’s mind.

But we know it takes a terrible toll. And the figures are showing the situation is getting worse.

The Sunday People has long campaigned for better treatment for our veterans.

Our coverage of the nightmare they face when they leave the forces has helped raise the issue.

We want the MOD to make sure they have all the support they need when they return to civilian life. But the battle to protect their mental health goes further, and a cultural change is needed.

The first and most important move is to eradicate any stigma around mental health. That means better education and promoting understanding among service personnel.

A second issue is teaching people to spot the signs of someone suffering. Colleagues, senior officers, friends and family need to be informed of symptoms and the need for vigilance.

An environment must be created where people can come forward and get help.

There is no shame in anyone, in any walk of life, having a mental health problem. It can happen to anyone at any time.

We are slowly beginning to treat mental illness in the same way we treat other ailments.

There is a long way to go, but every step is welcomed, particularly in the Armed Forces.

These are people who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

And we need to take care of our servicemen and women, just as they take care of us.