Ulster Unionist MLA, Michael Copeland has expressed his concern at the findings of a report which have revealed that more people suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than in any other country in the world.
The East Belfast Assembly Member said;
“The figures released today in "The Economic Impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Northern Ireland” don’t make for pleasant reading. From a personal point of view as a former soldier I know only too well the effect the stresses of military duty can have on you long after your service has finished.‘
“Every week I have ex-servicemen and women coming to my constituency office to seek advice on how they can receive the help they need to cope with PTSD. Thankfully these people are coming forward to seek help for PTSD but unfortunately there is a culture in our society that makes people feel uneasy about asking for help when they are struggling with their mental health.’
“I hope that the release of today’s report will help to raise awareness for mental illnesses such as PTSD and give those suffering the confidence to come forward and ask for help.’
