The news coverage of the invasion of Ukraine is very distressing. This is true for all of us watching, but at PTSD Resolution we understand that such events can be especially difficult for many in our veteran community, with images, sounds or stories triggering difficult thoughts and feelings or causing past traumatic experiences to become more painful and present again.

This effect for a veteran can then have a knock-on effect on the wellbeing of family members and friends who support them.

As always, at this time, PTSD Resolution is here to support all UK veterans and their family members.

We have a wealth of information available on our website regarding how we can support you – and a step-by-step guide to accessing that support. This support is local, fast and free, and provided by a nationwide network of experienced therapists. Just click on ‘For Sufferers’ in the main menu - or call us on 0300 302 0551.

If the line is busy or outside the hours of 0900-1700hrs, please leave a brief message with your number or email us, and it will be replied to as soon as possible that day or early the next. If you need immediate support then call 999 or The Samaritans on 116 123; or contact your GP, local crisis team or A & E.

Advice for Coping Well with News of Ukraine
For many people in the UK at the moment, there is a sense that ‘we need to do something’ in relation to Ukraine. For veterans who have served, this need can be even more pressing. It can lead to a lot of thinking about the distressing images that are on the television, or stories heard on the news, which in turn can then lead to poorer sleep, distressing or exhausting dreams, and more symptoms of anxiety, depression or trauma.

Levels and symptoms of stress and distress increase rapidly when we end up thinking a lot about a situation which we cannot do anything about to resolve. It is therefore important in this, as in any other situation, to focus on the parts of it that we can do something about, and to be aware of the impact that repeatedly playing things over in our mind can have on our own wellbeing and that of the people around us.


Key Strategies for Staying Emotionally Well

• Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Try to find someone, whether a friend, family member or support worker, who understands and accepts how you feel.

Try not to get engaged in too many ‘heated debates’ about the situation, if you know that you are left feeling worse after such interactions. That includes on Twitter and other social media.

• Recognise that just as when you were serving, the ability to switch off and have down time away from a difficult or distressing situation is essential. Don’t feel guilty for not thinking about the situation or keeping up with the latest developments 24/7. It is those breaks for your mind, where you focus on your own life - perhaps on things that are going well or that you enjoy, or where you make time for activities that help you to stay well - that will allow you to cope well in the longer term.
• If you feel you need to distance yourself from all news of the war, then this is perfectly valid and a good strategy to use - especially if you have been physically or psychologically injured yourself. You can turn over or switch off when the news comes on the TV or radio. This is not unhealthy ‘avoidance’; it is a sensible recognition that, at the moment, any further stress or distress could have a very negative impact on your own or your family’s wellbeing.
• If you do have the urge to ‘do something’, then find practical ways in which you can contribute positively to the situation – even if it appears to be in a very small way.  We never know how huge the ripples from a small action of kindness or support can become. Perhaps raising money, raising awareness, or involving yourself in a support activity that is focused on the many refugees created by the war.
• If you are experiencing escalating symptoms, or struggling with memories of your own past experiences as a result of something you have seen or heard then please do contact us on 0300 302 0551.

If the line is busy or outside the hours of 0900-1700hrs, please leave a brief message with your number or email us, and it will be replied to as soon as possible that day or early the next. If you need immediate support then call 999 or The Samaritans on 116 123; or contact your GP, local crisis team or A & E.