New research shows a quarter of veterans ‘have had suicidal thoughts’

New research has laid bare the hardships faced by former military personnel.

Figures show that a quarter of veterans have suicidal thoughts, while more than two in five have felt lonely or isolated.

Polling company YouGov questioned more than 2,000 veterans aged between 18 and 64 for armed forces charity SSAFA.

The results – that were higher than separate surveys of the UK population as a whole – found that a third of former military personnel said they “felt overwhelmed by negative feelings”.

Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of the SSAFA, said loneliness affected both young and old people.

He added: “Our research shows just how many veterans can become isolated as they struggle to adjust to life after the forces.

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“SSAFA is already seeing a growing number of younger veterans in need who are benefiting from our personal face-to-face advice through our trained volunteer network.”

Over a quarter (27%) of veterans surveyed said that they felt they would benefit from meeting someone regularly from a military background who can empathise with their experience of life in the armed forces.

Join the fight and donate to end isolation in veterans by visiting www.ssafa.org.uk/fight

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, you can contact the Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.