SAS soldiers should be forced to take up counselling to avoid the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life, the widow of a veteran has said.
Martin Pratt, who served with the elite regiment during the 1970s and 80s, developed severe nightmares and flashbacks following the death of his mother - 30 years after he saw active service in Northern Ireland.
The grandfather's life spiralled into depression and alcoholism as he battled against the illness before he died in August at the age of 59. However, his widow Suzan believes his training with the SAS meant it was impossible for psychotherapists to help him.
She said the "tough" culture and image of soldiers serving with the SAS meant that mental health problems were a taboo, but given they were often placed in violent and traumatic situations the need for help was probably greater than anywhere else in the armed forces.
To dispel any myths that seeking counselling is a weakness, soldiers within the SAS should be obliged to take up psychological help, the 55-year-old retired headteacher said. She also believes that civilian doctors do not understand enough about PTSD and the current system, which meant that Mr Pratt could not receive mental health treatment while he was drinking, had failed her husband.
Mrs Pratt, from near Grantham, Lincolnshire, said: "When we were trying to get help for Martin, I met a doctor who had served in the SAS and he said to me that it takes a special kind of person to even want to apply to get in; only a small percentage are successful in the selection process and then they receive training.
"By that point it's very difficult to get through to them. Counselling is not the thing for them to do as it's not part of their image. Their culture is not to be seen to be weak and that's why counselling should be compulsory so they all have to go through it.
"Anyone who shows any kind of mental difficulty is immediately returned to their unit so they don't want to admit it."
Mrs Pratt's case has been taken up by her MP, the Conservative Stephen Phillips. The MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham said: "I was extremely concerned by what Mrs Pratt told me about the gaps in the care that her husband had received before he died, which are particularly hard to accept given the fact that he served our country bravely and left behind a family who loved him.
"I was glad to hear that ministers are taking this issue seriously and dealing with the problem areas, and I hope that treatment for those brave servicemen and women suffering from PTSD and other mental health problems will be significantly improved."
(Image shows the Royal Navy participating in exercises)