HEALTH & WELLBEING
GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME? FIND SUPPORT ON BIG WHITE WALL
It’s often said that one in four of us will experience a common mental health problem in our lifetime, whether it’s stress, anxiety or feeling low. However, a recent study by King’s College London found that rates of anxiety and depression were twice as common amongst military personnel as in the civilian population.
M
ost of us are good at putting on a brave face and so it can be hard to talk to about mental health issues. We
may be scared of seeming ‘weak’ or being told we are making a fuss about nothing. These negative and untrue attitudes can prevent people from being honest about how they are feeling.
We can also forget that behind mental health statistics are the partners, parents, children, friends and colleagues of people going through difficult times. Being there for someone can be a lonely experience, as it can be difficult to know how to help.
Whatever you’re struggling with, or whoever you are supporting, Big White Wall is here to help.
On Big White Wall there is a community of people experiencing common mental health problems or struggling with everyday worries and concerns. It is free for UK military serving personnel, veterans, and their families and is available 24/7 at
www.bigwhitewall.com, on tablet, or via smartphone app.
You can express yourself anonymously in words and images and share experiences with other members. 73% of people using Big White Wall share something troubling them for the first time. Trained counsellors (called Wall Guides) are on hand at all times to keep members safe and provide extra support.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
You can also follow guided self-help courses on topics such as managing anxiety, smoking, or alcohol and coping with redundancy. Or, take control by reading articles and taking tests on life skills like resilience, managing debt, boosting self-esteem or getting a better night’s sleep.
95% of members report feeling better as a result of joining Big White Wall. One member, a mother whose son sustained serious injuries in service, called Big White Wall her “lifesaving device.” She said, “Big White Wall was absolutely brilliant. It was there night or day. People listened, people understood. I think if you talk about what you’re going through, it makes such a difference… Big White Wall was there when things were really bad and I will forever be grateful for that.”
Whatever you’re going through, it’s easy to join Big White Wall for safe, anonymous support. Simply go to
www.bigwhitewall.com and click ‘Join Now’.
Envoy Summer 2015 43
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