Regain Marines: When strength alone just isn't enough

 

PROJECT REGAIN

Regain is an initiative of marines, by marines, for marines to assist all ranks in seeking help if they have concerns about their mental health.

Royal Marines have one of the most physically and psychologically demanding jobs on the planet and findings show lack of knowledge about mental health issues makes it more difficult to recognise a problem developing.

Now Regain has been set up to change this for the better by allowing serving Royal Marines and related ranks to refer themselves directly to specialists without the need to first go through their unit’s medical officer.

Regain Marines

What is Regain?

The intent of Regain is to improve the mental health awareness of serving marines, allowing all ranks to receive a basic education about worrying symptoms and behaviours and to seek help.

Regain aims to reduce the stigma and barriers to treatment and enable ranks to present themselves without fear of being labelled by peers or command.

Captain Ryan Morris - Founder of Project Regain

The support available is there and very good if you know where and how to look for it, but more importantly feel able to access it.

What should I look for in myself or an oppo to recognise a mental health issue?

If you recognise any of these symptoms then call 01206 817057

Changes in behaviour

When these behaviours become a consistent presence...

  • Isolation and withdrawal (just sitting in your grot or replacing social activities with solitary activities)
  • Feeling distant and cut of from friends and loved ones
  • Constant relationship problems
  • Being excessively aggressive and irritable
  • Drinking excessively
  • Neglecting work or a drop in professional standards
  • Excessive phys

Symptoms

When these symptoms become a consistent presence

  • Low mood and mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Sleep problems
  • Poor concentration
  • Anxiety
  • Nightmares or flashbacks about traumatic events
  • Constantly feeling on edge or in danger
  • Easily startled by loud noises

Do I need help? Take these simple tests.

Self Test 1

In relation to past traumatic experiences, If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions:

Had nightmares about it or thought about it when you did not want to?

Tried hard not to think about it or tried to avoid situations that remind you of it?

Been constantly on guard, watchful or easily startled?

Felt numb or detached from others, activities, or your surroundings?

...you may have PTSD

You can refer yourself to the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Colchester.

Simply call them on 01206 817057 and tell them you wish to refer yourself.

You will be put through to a nurse who will talk you through the process and arrange an appointment for you.

Self Test 2

If you answer “yes” to one or both of these questions:

During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?

During the past month, have you often been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?

...you may be suffering from depression.

You can refer yourself to the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Colchester.

Simply call them on 01206 817057 and tell them you wish to refer yourself.

You will be put through to a nurse who will talk you through the process and arrange an appointment for you.

Self Test 3

If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions:

Have you ever felt you needed to cut down on your drinking?

Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?

Have you ever felt guilty about drinking?

Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

...you may have an alcohol problem.

You can refer yourself to the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Colchester.

Simply call them on 01206 817057 and tell them you wish to refer yourself.

You will be put through to a nurse who will talk you through the process and arrange an appointment for you.

So what if I don't get help?

Mental health problems can have a significant impact on the quality of your life, children, relationships and career.

Doing nothing may see you lose much of what you care about.

Many marines only come forward for help when they have lost a great deal due to their symptoms and behaviour.

Why are marines reluctant to seek help?

This is closely linked to stigma:

  • I will be seen as weak
  • I wont be a marine anymore
  • I feel embarrassed
  • The other marines and my command will treat me differently
  • It will end my career

The reality of seeking help

Around 4 - 7% of frontline troops will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and around 20% of service personnel are suffering with a mental health disorder at any one time, although few seek help for it.

Most marines with mental health problems have 8-12 sessions of talking therapy and then carry on with their careers.

The Royal Marines command actively supports greater access to mental health care and recognises the value of early treatment in maintaining fighting capability.

Treatment is confidential.

The process of seeking help

1

Recognise you have a problem.

Self-referral (01206 817057), referral by MO or signposting by Command, Welfare or Padre.

2

Appointment

You will be offered an appointment with a specialist mental health nurse at a local Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) near to you. Visit the NHS website: Serving personnel: mental health services for your local DCMH.

 
Visit the NHS website
3

Treatment Plan

A treatment plan will be agreed with you, which mostly involve talking therapies.

Please note: You are likely to be downgraded for a short period to make sure you can attend appointments, but this is only done if absolutely necessary and on a case by case basis.

4

See a Consultant

You may then see a Consultant Psychiatrist to make sure you care plan is ideal for your individual case.

5

Treatment Commences

Treatment will commence which will result in one of two outcomes:

Full Recovery (Vast majority of Royal Marines)

You will make a full recovery and continue with your career.

No or partial recovery (minority or Royal Marines)

In this case there is a medical discharge with extensive support in making the transition and medical pension arrangements. You will not be on your own.

Marine Testimonial

Towards the end of 2013 I realised after two years of suffering that something was not quite right about me after my tour. The booze was starting to take a serious hold on me, to the point that it was affecting my career and home life.

I eventually “put my hand up” and asked for the much-needed help I required. Within a few weeks I was offered the help that I needed.

It has been a tough time but I am in a much better place now. Not once have I ever felt judged for my decision to seek help, quite the opposite. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have a problem and who is struggling to at least talk to somebody about it.

If you are a serving Royal Marine you can refer yourself to the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Colchester.

Simply call them and tell them you wish to refer yourself.

You will be put through to a nurse who will talk you through the process and arrange an appointment for you.

If you have a workmate who is struggling, be a true friend and show them this page. Persuade them to seek help!

Tel: 01206 817057
Mil 94660 7057
If you are a Royal Marine veteran, help can be found here