Mental Health

UK Armed Forces Mental Health Report

The UK Armed Forces Mental Health Annual Report 2019 – 2020 shows rates of mental health in the UK Armed Forces were broadly comparable with that seen in the UK general population:

  • 1 in 8 (12.7%) UK Armed Forces personnel were seen by military healthcare services for a mental health related reason.
  • Rates of mental health increased over time and are now stable at around 12%-13%
  • Most personnel seeking military mental health care go to their GP in the first instance. 1 in 8 (12.1%) of personnel were seen by their GP in the latest year.
  • The majority of patients who seek mental health care are managed by their GP, however some with more complex needs will receive treatment from specialist mental care providers. Rates of those requiring specialist mental health services was stable at 1 in 37 (2.7%).
  • The overall rate of mental health in the UK Armed Forces was broadly comparable to that seen in the UK general population.
  • The rate of mental health for those needing specialist mental health treatment was lower than that seen in the UK general population.
  • There were some conditions that were more likely to be managed by GPs such as sleep disorders, low mood and stress. Other conditions such as adjustment disorder, PTSD and depression were more likely to be treated by specialist mental health clinicians.
  • Personnel from all age groups accessed military mental healthcare and females sought help more than males, as seen in the UK general population

BuildForce and our team are here to support you. Please contact us

Further resources

Mental Health focus

Our collaboration with MHS (Mental Health and Support) Training and Consultancy Limited (a CITB approved trainer) launched our mental health focus. We provide a valuable opportunity to enhance the wellbeing of all those we support. Our psychologist conducts one-to-one sessions to assess your mental wellbeing, as a problem shared is a problem halved and we are here to listen. We provide initial support and sign-post you to further help available.

We have rolled out an innovative mental health first aid programme to our service leavers and veterans; supporting them as they transition into industry.

Our mental health focus is also a platform to raise mental health awareness amongst our employers.

Stress Management

As part of your induction with BuildForce, we encourage you to attend our stress management seminar (which are currently running virtually).

This interactive seminar explores the relationship between stress and mental health, enabling participants to recognise the signs/symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and how this can affect their safety on site and at home. The session also provides evidence-based information and practical approaches for addressing these often difficult life issues, focusing on the following key areas:

  • Raise awareness of stress and its relationship with mental health
  • Enhance knowledge of how to prevent and alleviate stress
  • Raise awareness of the potential impact of stress and mental health issues in the workplace.
  • Reduce stigma and address prejudice re mental health issues
  • Enhance participants emotional wellbeing and resilience

You can access further support during the current epidemic here

Mental Health Virtual Chats

Simon Weston CBE and Bernie Graham: Mental Health and the transition from Service to Civilian life
Simon Weston CBE: Advice during lockdown