How we have helped those who have reached out:
Case Study #1: "Supporting low mood and isolation after relocation"
One of our Welfare Officers describes a case where we supported a young serving person who was feeling isolated during their first posting.
"I worked with a young individual who was experiencing low mood, isolation, and self‑doubt after relocating for their first posting. Moving away from familiar support networks and living alone for the first time had a significant impact on their confidence and emotional wellbeing. The referral was indirect, and they shared feelings of embarrassment about how they were coping.
"Due to unreliable internet access and personal preference, the individual chose telephone‑based support rather than video calls. I respected this and focused on building rapport through regular calls. I validated their feelings and acknowledged how challenging it can be to adjust to a new environment and single accommodation. To address isolation, I encouraged very small, manageable steps to connect with others, such as greeting colleagues, smiling, or offering to make tea.
"As support progressed, it became clear that physical wellbeing was affecting their mental health. We discussed practical changes around sleep, nutrition, movement, and breathing exercises, as well as planning enjoyable activities to create positive routines. I also encouraged the use of a visual planner so they had things to look forward to.
"Gradually, the individual’s confidence improved. They found common interests with colleagues, began engaging more socially and joined group activities, including basketball, which helped them form friendships and feel more settled. By the end of the two‑month support period, they reported feeling happier and more confident. I supported them to prepare for conversations with medical professionals, which resulted in additional clinical support for anxiety."
Our message to others: Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone - take the first step and reach out for support.
Case Study #2: "Finding ways to manage anxiety through remote support"
One of our Welfare Officers describes a case where we supported a serving person who had become overwhelmed with anxiety and was initially reluctant to reach out.
"I supported an individual who was experiencing high levels of anxiety following a change in their work role and the stress of undergoing a security clearance process. Concerns about their wellbeing had been raised at work, and the referral came indirectly through the station team. Initial attempts to contact them by phone were unsuccessful, so I reached out via email, which felt less overwhelming for them.
"When support began, the individual was reluctant to engage and wasn’t comfortable with needing help. initially appointments were conducted virtually with their camera turned off, as they felt very self‑conscious and anxious. I focused on creating a consistent, safe, and non‑judgemental space, offering weekly Microsoft Teams sessions and allowing them to engage at their own pace. Over time, trust developed, and they became more open, eventually feeling comfortable enough to turn their camera on and participate more actively.
"Support involved both emotional reassurance and suggestions of practical techniques. We worked through budgeting exercises to address financial worries, discussed simple mood‑boosting techniques such as starting the day with a favourite song, and encouraged planning enjoyable events to look forward to. These small but structured steps helped them feel more in control and reduced their overall anxiety.
"Over a six‑month period, there was a clear improvement in their wellbeing. Family members and colleagues noticed positive changes, and the individual reported greater independence and confidence. By the end of the support, they didn’t feel the need to access counselling, which had been an initial goal."
Our message to others: Try and focus on what is in your control - if you can’t control it, acknowledge it then let it go.
Case Study #3: "Normalising accessing support for your mental health when you need it"
One of our Welfare Officers spoke to us about the common threads of supporting people with their mental health.
"People often come to me after living for a long time with anxiety, depression, or experiences they’ve never spoken about. The support usually begins with helping them understand that asking for help is not a failure. I often say, “If we have a temperature or injury, we go and see a doctor. Mental health is no different, even if you can’t see it’s there.” For some, that simple comparison lifts a weight they’ve carried for years.
"Support means giving people permission to speak freely, sometimes for the first time. I listen as they connect their current low mood to things like financial stress, bereavement, or experiences from childhood, including abuse. When someone hesitates or minimises their struggles, I reassure them, “It makes sense that this is affecting you now,” helping them understand that their reactions are valid rather than a personal weakness. This is especially important for men who worry about how they will be perceived; I challenge those fears gently and remind them that strength includes knowing when to ask for help.
"The environment itself becomes part of the support. Offering a calm, neutral space allows people to settle, and I often notice shoulders drop as the tension eases. Someone once arrived extremely agitated, unable to sit still. By grounding the conversation and talking about everyday things like rugby and sharing a bit of humour, I watched that anxiety soften. By the end, they were smiling but completely unaware of how much had shifted in that short time.
"Support is also practical and paced to suit the individual. When someone feels unsure about treatment options, including medication, I focus on sharing clear information and allowing them to decide. Later, one person reflected, “I wish I had done it ages ago.” As progress builds, I’m careful not to become a safety net they feel unable to leave. I reinforce their own agency, saying, “You’re doing this yourself, I’m just alongside you.” These moments of feeling heard, understood, and more in control are where real change begins."
Our message to others: Everyone has mental health and most will need help with it at some point their life; take that step and ask for help if you need it.
Live Chat
