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Rise in servicemen suicide prompts appeal
Ever increasing numbers of suicides among British Falklands veterans is prompting an ex-servicemen's association to appeal for government intervention. The number of suicides among British Falklands veterans is now estimated to be approaching half of that of the number who died in the war itself, according to one Falklands military official. With seven more this year alone, that number is steadily rising. Others, suffering post traumatic stress disorder, or simply unable to cope with life, are desperately in need of help.
?Ex-servicemen soon get forgotten once the initial furore subsides,? he explains. But, for many the mental distress doesn't subside. Mr Connick is aware that he and his comrades are by no means the first to experience the problems inherited by conflicts. ?Previous generations went through the same, but society has changed. There was much more of a feeling of widespread support for war veterans. Now we're more isolated and vulnerable.? It wasn't until 1987 that post traumatic stress disorder even became accepted as a genuine condition. By that time, many ex-servicemen were already having difficulties adjusting to civilian life. Many turned to drugs, alcohol or crime. Figures from Shelter, the charity for homeless people, show that 20 per cent of London's homeless are believed to be ex-servicemen. The Ministry of Defence is currently inundated with claims from Falklands veterans seeking compensation. SAMA says ?It's something to be ignored at your peril. The government ignored it at the time. Now the peril has landed on their doorstep.? However, it's not just a question of money. ?Above all, what many people are seeking is awareness and recognition of their condition. We need government help to carry out research. We don't want a lot. We just want to feel our country supports us in our time of need, in the way we gave our support. Is that too much to ask??
SAMA is urging anyone involved in the South Atlantic conflicts to seek help
if in need. There are around 30,000 potential members of SAMA - anyone having
received a South Atlantic medal or who is a family member of a victim of the
conflict is eligible.
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