Mental Health Drills ​

Urgent Mental Health (MH)​ Crisis? Tigers never act feebly, we use our IA Drill, '1-2-3':
  1. If an urgent Risk to life/ self-harm = Call 999 immediately (for a missing person call Police on 101 
  2. For Immediate MH aid = Call 0800 138 1619 or text: 07537 404 719 or email: [email protected] (If still serving call 0800 323 4444 (a 24/365 MH helpline for serving military personnel & families, run by Combat Stress /MoD).
  3. If struggling, get your GP to refer you to TILS (click here) which is all new (2019) specialist, funded NHS care for UK veterans and very fast. 
  4. Text SHOUT to 85258 and following a couple of automated messages you will get a text from a “real” person who can assist and signpost you to support services or just be there to listen.
  5. ​Contact RHQ, the Association Branch or Local Tiger Mates forTiger Comradeship & Care. And read on below...

Adjustment

Adjusting to life after Infantry Service is a challenge for many; life is easier if you know the facts and drills... 
  • Not all veterans need Mental Health (MH) help but some do; Tigers respect all comrades who need help or a chat.  There's loads of free UK expert help that we signpost to you on this page...
  • You do not have PTSD because you have a bad day - see below on Adjustment Reaction. 
  • Watch video: 'Not in the Army Now' is here  - a 'must watch' on why us veterans are different! [4x15min and show your wife/partner too as it helps so many understand us...]
  • Watch video: 'How Sleep the Brave?' - the impact of PTSD MH. Powerful stories. [10 mins]

Not a Happy Tiger?

Adjustment Reaction - It is quite normal post Infantry service to miss your friends, regimental life and all aspects. This can be fine for some, harder for others. Depression, anger issues, grumpiness, relationship issues, etc. are experienced by many - you are not alone. It happens. This is not PTSD as many think but it still needs help. There is loads of free help available out there - click our links.  
PTSD is a trauma related experience; after a bad event or stress pressure. This can be nightmares or panic or other symptoms. Veterans can suffer this but most have an adjustment reaction. 
The 'IA Drill' is to speak up - don't wait. You can be helped easier than you think. Click on Combat Stress pages for more good MH intel and help.
See also the video and free access for veterans on sleeping without nightmares here.
Prevention and Chat?​ PWRR Association mates offer Comradeship, Communication & Care.  Chat it over with comrades and also look online for ways you can cool off and decompress in daily life: Art, Music, Reading, Nature, Cycling, Hobbies, etc. Grab some 'me time'  & try something new...
Raise some £ for our own fantastic PWRR BF like many ordinary Tigers do - a  brilliant way to put something back in, raise awareness and help those Tigers in need. Contact via the Assoc contact us if you want to know how to do fundraising pages, etc. Raise for our own Fund PWRR BF first! Charity begins at home. 

Shout SMS Service

Is it hard to talk? Do you feel embarrassed to tell someone you have a problem? Do you think the person at the end of the phone will demean or criticise you? 
There is now another way of getting the support and help you need. Crisis Text Line is manned by supervised trained volunteers who are there to help. It is facilitated entirely by text messaging and free and confidential on all the UK mobile networks. The link to their website is here, have a look at how it works.  

Tiger Top Tips

If you want to be a happier and healthier person try one of our easy top tips: 
  1. The Warrior Programme - allows veterans to develop the resilience, focus and motivation to succeed in today’s world. See the excellent website & crack on.
  2. The White Wall is FREE for veterans - saving £9.99 a month, supported by H4H. See here.
  3. Ideas on self help solutions + good free help at Help4Heroes (as always!).  Absolutely superb from a huge £200M charity we all raised £ for - so use it!?
  4. NHS Top Tips for veterans are here.
  5. Register at your GP so they know 'YOU HAVE SERVED' & it is on your docs. There is then (only then) a better funded care level open to you via your GP. Call them now. 
  6. If you have never talked about your operational tours, try to. It helps. We all need to talk. 
  7. If you are dehydrated you know the signs, yes? Well, MH issues have similar symptoms but watch anger or moodiness... do you look like the tigers below at times? It could mean you need a 'check up from the neck up'. Get one... Tigers must stay fit & mentally fit too. 
  8. If you see mates feeling 'down', send them this page. Talk them through the links over a coffee. Watch the videos with them. Walk them down to the GP - you may change their life. Or even save it.
  9. Breakfast clubs for you: AFVBC - friendly chat over brews and bacon. Try one/start one...