Women veterans experiences in service may contribute to a unique health profile. Women in the general population report higher rates of mental ill health compared to men, however these rates appear to be elevated across veteran groups.
A study of 750 UK women veterans drawn from the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association, found that women veterans reported higher levels of probable PTSD as well as anxiety and depression compared to a national sample of (majority male) veterans, the serving military and the general UK population. Studies have also shown that women veterans report comparatively high levels of loneliness and poor social support.
Although the comparisons are not like-for-like, these findings show women veterans may have unique health needs to which health and support services need to respond.
(Sources: Hendrikx et al, 2021; Stevelink et al, 2018; APMS, 2016; Williamson et al., 2023; RBL, 2018; KCMHR 2024; Rhead et al., 2022).
