National PTSD Awareness Day: shining a light on veterans and debt

27 June is National PTDS Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and encouraging those affected to seek support. 

What is PTSD?  

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing trauma. While most people recover naturally from distressing events, those with PTSD continue to experience symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety and emotional numbness that can worsen over time and disrupt daily life. 

Why veterans are at higher risk   

PTSD is especially common among military veterans. Combat situations often involve trauma that increases the risk of developing the condition. 

According to the veteran support charity Combat Stress, around 7.4% of UK veterans experience PTSD, compared to 4% of the general population.  

For those who served in combat roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, the rate is thought to be as high as 17%. 

Financial struggles and PTSD  

Mental health and money problems often go hand in hand. PTSD can make it difficult for veterans to work and manage money, leading to financial hardship. 

A 2024 study by the charity Trussell found that 27% of veterans ran out of food in the past year and couldn’t afford more, almost double the rate for non-veterans (14%). 

Hardship is even more severe for veterans with health conditions: 

• 29% of veterans with a mental health condition are struggling with bills or debt, compared to 9% of veterans overall.  

• 15% of physically disabled veterans face the same challenge. 

• 16% of veterans with physical or mental health issues can’t afford to heat their homes.  

• 10% of veterans with mental health conditions received emergency food parcels in October 2024.  

‘Mental health issues can make it more difficult to work’  

We spoke with Professor Naomi Wilson, clinical director at Combat Stress, to understand the challenges veterans face and how the charity supports them.  

“Mental health issues can make it difficult to hold down employment, or prevent those veterans affected from working,” she said, adding: “Sensitivity and support of employers, or lack of, can also be a key factor with periods of time off sick or off undergoing treatment potentially having financial implications. 

“Unfortunately, financial issues can also act as a barrier to accessing treatment. Such stressors, as well as potentially impacted basic physiological needs – such as food, water, sleep and shelter – must first be addressed before a veteran can have their complex psychological needs addressed.  

“Not only is it incredibly difficult for a veteran in financial difficulty to be able to cope with trauma therapy, but it also diminishes the likelihood of them seeking mental health support in the first place.”  

Combat Stress addresses these challenges during a veteran’s initial assessment, reviewing employment, housing and finances to determine the best time for treatment, or whether another support route is needed first. 

How PTSD can affect work and finances  

Everyday triggers like loud noises, smoke or sirens can bring back traumatic memories and make the workplace overwhelming. 

Professor Wilson explained how many of those with complex mental health issues turn to coping mechanisms such as alcohol or substance use, which, alongside the harmful physical and psychological effects, can be incredibly financially damaging.  

“In a few cases, those affected have been known to turn to gambling.”  

How Combat Stress helps 

Combat Stress offers: 

• referrals to trusted financial services and charities 

• help with benefits and debt advice 

• practical support from occupational therapists and peer support teams 

“During treatment, as well as reducing symptoms or enabling a full recovery from PTSD, we also work with the veteran to achieve their personal recovery goals, for example, returning to work, or managing different domains of life,” said Professor Wilson.  

Breaking barriers and stigma 

It’s not uncommon for veterans to struggle in silence, afraid to admit they’re not coping. 

“Stigma, denial or uncertainty as to whether they have a mental health issue, feelings of shame or weakness or harmful perceptions of those with PTSD as being ‘mad’ or ‘dangerous’ can all prevent those struggling from seeking help,” said Professor Wilson.  

“Veteran and military culture is typically to present a strong, coping image and not share or show vulnerability or weakness, so acknowledging that they are struggling financially or – in their eyes - failing to provide for their family, can be incredibly hard to share and to bear. 

“For those who enlisted at a very young age… transition to civilian life and then consequent financial and administrational demands can be completely unfamiliar and require orientation.”  

Spotting the signs 

There’s no one-size-fits-all symptom list but being present and open can make a huge difference. 

“Talking to others who have had similar experiences, reaching out to support services, like our 24-hour helpline can all be incredibly beneficial,” said Professor Wilson.