Former Royal Navy nurse Janine dedicated 25 years to a military career, serving in four tours in Afghanistan. Now, as a Veterans Clinical Advisor at Help for Heroes, she continues to care for the Armed Forces community. Janine’s mission is to combat a hidden enemy that three out of four veterans the charity supports are facing: chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can have a significant impact on a veteran’s quality of life, as well as their relationships with loved ones. Janine shared that chronic pain affects sleep, mental health, relationships, and work, making it challenging for veterans to leave their homes and leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
According to the World Health Organization, chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months. In 2022, a staggering 77% of veterans with long-term health conditions seeking support from Help for Heroes reported struggling with long-term pain. Janine emphasized that the term ‘chronic pain’ does not reflect its severity, and veterans may be hesitant to seek support due to misconceptions about the condition.
Janine highlighted the importance of retraining the brain to better manage chronic pain, emphasizing the significance of understanding pain, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and finding a balance between activity and rest. Help for Heroes stands out as the only UK military charity with a dedicated clinical team providing physical healthcare support, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the unique needs of veterans.
Subheading: Support and Services Provided by Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes offers a range of support and services to veterans and their families, regardless of when or where they served in the UK military. The charity’s free pain management course equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to better understand and alleviate pain. Janine recommended incorporating light physical activity into daily routines to stimulate the body’s natural painkillers and improve overall well-being.
Contrary to common misconceptions, exercise does not have to be strenuous or intense; simple activities like showering or attending coffee mornings can have significant physical and mental benefits. Janine emphasized the importance of transitioning from the military mindset of ‘pushing through’ to empowering oneself through increased knowledge and self-care practices.
Subheading: Addressing Sleep and Stress Management
Transitioning from military service can be a major source of stress for veterans, impacting their quality of sleep and exacerbating pain. Help for Heroes offers a sleep course that provides valuable advice on improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and aiding the body’s repair processes during rest. Janine shared a veteran’s insight from a pain management course, highlighting the importance of small lifestyle changes in managing chronic pain effectively.
Veterans often feel isolated and overwhelmed by their pain, but Help for Heroes aims to remind them that they are not alone. By empowering veterans to take control of their health and well-being, the charity strives to create a supportive community where individuals can find relief and connection.
In conclusion, Help for Heroes continues to play a vital role in supporting veterans and their families, offering specialized care and resources to address the unique challenges they face. Through initiatives like the pain management course and the focus on holistic well-being, the charity remains dedicated to improving the lives of those who have served their country. Join Help for Heroes in their mission to ensure that no veteran fights their battles alone.