Prof Greenberg speaks at Invictus Games 2016

Professor Neil Greenberg of King’s College London and the Royal College of Psychiatrists joined figures from the worlds of royalty, sports, entertainment and politics at an international Invictus Games symposium on Sunday (8 May) hosted by the Bush Institute in Orlando, Florida.

The high-profile symposium, attended by President George W. Bush and Prince Harry, focused on understanding the multiple facets of ‘invisible wounds’ and discussing solutions to help returning servicemen and women improve outcomes for their transition back to civilian life.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. At the symposium, several panel discussions explored the role of sport and active lifestyles in recovery, reducing the stigmas associated with these wounds, and ways to foster action to ensure Invictus Games competitors and caregivers seek legitimate and comprehensive care.

Professor Greenberg, who is Professor of Defence Mental Health at King’s and the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Lead for the Military and Veterans Mental Health, explained what psychological injuries are, why they can be difficult to identify and he outlined some of the challenges for providing effective treatment.

Professor Greenberg is introduced at 55.50 minutes.

Professor Greenberg said: ‘I believe that whilst we of course need more investment in improving the effectiveness of treatments [for servicemen and women], the biggest challenge facing our communities is finding ways to encourage those affected by mental health problems to take the courageous step to seek treatment in the first place and I very much hope this event goes someway towards making that journey a little more likely.’

President Bush said: ‘I have dedicated the rest of my life to honouring the service and sacrifice of the men and women with whom I served as Commander-in-Chief. Those who wear their Nation’s uniform, some of whom have overcome both visible and invisible injuries, deserve our support. I’m proud to serve as honorary chairman of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016, and to shine a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable souls’ of these men and women, not just from the American team but from 14 Coalition nations.’

Notes to editors

For further media information please contact Jack Stonebridge, Press Officer, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London jack.stonebridge@kcl.ac.uk/ 020 7848 5377.