Stats released by leading charity supporting ex-service personnel on PTSD Awareness Day

Britain is being urged to rethink what military PTSD really looks like after new research found widespread misunderstanding about who can be affected, how the condition shows itself and why many veterans still suffer in silence for years.

Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health says veterans currently take an average of 14 years to seek help for PTSD after leaving service, often because of stigma, denial, or a belief that others are more deserving of support.

To mark PTSD Awareness Day on 27 June, they are warning that outdated ideas of military trauma are stopping the public from recognising the unseen battles many former service personnel face after leaving the Armed Forces.

Aston spoke to Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress.