Awareness of and willingness to access support among UK military personnel who reported a mental health difficulty

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Being aware of and willing to access mental health services are important first steps in seeking help for a self-reported mental health, stress, or emotional problem. Evidence shows that UK military personnel, in particular ex-serving personnel, are not always aware of or willing to access sources of mental health support. This study explored which sources of mental health support UK military personnel were aware of and willing to use if they self-reported a mental health, stress, or emotional problem. It also explored the possible differences between serving and ex-serving military personnel. All UK military personnel were most aware of and willing to access formal medical services. However, among ex-serving personnel, there was a low awareness of and willingness to use ex-serving-specific support services, such as the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Programme, National Health Services Veterans Service, and Veterans UK helpline. Future service delivery and policy should focus on improving the variety of sources of support that ex-serving personnel are aware of and willing to use.