A veteran's anxiety - you're not alone

I regretted it as soon as the words left my mouth. I made a remark that, if said in the Mess, would have been met with a laugh and a few groans. At the office, it had been received like I'd announced I had thrown a bag of kittens off a motorway bridge.

“You…you don't really mean that, do you, Mac?” a very earnest-looking colleague with a ponytail asked.

I scrambled and managed to pass it off as me mishearing the conversation (I'm 50% deaf, so I can get away with it) but I became acutely aware that I was a second misstep away from a meeting with Tina from HR. I also remembered that the dark humour that was socially acceptable in the Military was going to be kept firmly in check from now on. It was my second day in the office and the fourth time I’d almost blown it.

That experience hammered home the differences between military and civilian life. It also made me realise how easily anxiety can creep in when you're transitioning out of the military.

Out of green kit

Your colleagues usually won't understand your experience (skills, rank, seniority) and you realise you have to prove yourself all over again. Your mind’s juggling a hundred thoughts, checking and rechecking what you're doing, what you're saying and you begin to feel a knot in your stomach, a feeling of always being on edge... it's not exactly the smooth landing you hoped for. 

It's hard, there's no denying it, and it’s not a surprise when you're trying to manage all these changes that anxiety often starts to rear its ugly head.

For some, it's after a full 22 years, for others, it's three. Regardless, the move to civilian life can be a shock to the system. If you're a veteran struggling with anxiety, you're not alone. It's more common than you might think, and the good news is, there are plenty of ways to tackle it head-on.

It’s not about suppressing those feelings; it's about understanding them, managing them, and ultimately, finding a calmer, more fulfilling life after service.

Decoding the anxiety

First, let's remember what anxiety actually is, your body's alarm system ‘stagging-on’ keeping you safe. The problem is with all the additional thoughts, vigilance and awareness sometimes, that alarm gets stuck, blaring out warnings even when there's no real danger. For no reason, your heart's racing, your palms are sweating, and you can't seem to catch your breath.

Or maybe your mind is in overdrive, worrying thoughts looping endlessly, making it impossible to focus or relax. Sleep becomes a distant memory, and you feel constantly on edge, like you're always waiting for the next bad thing to happen.

That's anxiety messing with your day-to-day. It can creep in like a fog, making everything feel uncertain and overwhelming. It might be triggered by specific situations, memories that refuse to stay buried, or just a general sense of unease that you can't quite shake. But here's the crucial thing: it's treatable. With the right tools and support, you can learn to quiet that alarm, manage those anxious moments, and reclaim your inner calm.

Call in support

If anxiety is putting a serious dent in your daily life, it might be time to reach out for professional help. Remember that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. A therapist can provide personalised support and teach you coping strategies that work for you.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't hesitate to call in air support if you were facing a tough position, would you? Well, tackling anxiety is no different. Sometimes, you need backup to support you in those challenging moments.

There are tonnes of different therapies out there; Talk therapy can help you process difficult experiences and develop healthier thought patterns. Hypnotherapy can work with your subconscious to address deep-rooted anxieties and promote relaxation. As a veteran and therapist, I've seen first-hand how these approaches can help people overcome anxiety and reclaim their lives.

Take back control

Seeking professional help or reaching out to a military support group is a great next step. You're not alone, there are groups who understand and have the resources to help you navigate this. Organisations like Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, SSAFA, and the Royal British Legion are all dedicated to supporting veterans' mental health. 

You've got this.