Dr Russ Denny CPsychol AFBPsS and Mental Health Service Clinical Lead at Teladoc Health kindly shares his thoughts on this important day…
“I served for 27 years in the UK Armed Forces, so Remembrance Day means a lot to me. I have experienced the harsh realities of service; the losses and sacrifices of colleagues and comrades. As a Practitioner Psychologist, I now recognise the lasting impact of those experiences on mental health and wellbeing. For me, it is not just remembering those who have died, but also those who continue to carry the weight of service.
Remembrance Day is a time for reflection. Service isn’t purely about what happens in the war zone; it’s about the struggles afterward. I have supported people who have struggled with trauma, loss, and transition to civilian life. Their courage is not always visible. Remembrance Day reminds me to remember their struggles in honour of the lives lost.
The poppy is an unassuming yet powerful symbol. It stands for lives, stories, and choices. It is a small thing to wear, but it shows respect and solidarity in its own quiet way. For those who served, it will often bring complex emotions. Sometimes it brings pride or grief; sometimes both. It is a nod to shared experiences and the bonds formed in service. Wearing a poppy is still a very personal choice, and I fully support anyone’s choice to wear or not wear one as they see fit.
Remembrance Day also reminds me of the aspect of duty and responsibility. Within the Armed Forces, a focus is on the team and mission at hand. Those values are carried into life after service. It’s about supporting veterans by listening and taking action. Observing this day reminds me that remembrance is not a passive act; it requires attention and care.
It is also a time to confront the fact of conflict. War means hurt, and it means casualties. The truth of that should be acknowledged. Remembrance Day is not about glorifying war but understanding its cost. It is about understanding the effects on people of supporting those who have been affected and learning from the past.
For me, this is a solemn and grounding day that connects my experience as a service member to my work of helping others. It reminds me to honour the past while supporting the present and carrying those lessons forward. Courage comes in many forms and today asks us to recognise all of them. It is not just about ceremony; it is about respect, responsibility, and remembering the human cost of service. It is about remembering those who served, supporting those still affected, and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
As we pause to remember, it’s also important to act on what remembrance teaches us. You don’t need to have served to show respect or make a difference — sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is to listen, reach out, or check in with someone who might be struggling. Remembrance is not only about looking back; it’s about carrying forward compassion, understanding, and support for others in our daily lives.
Take a moment, not just on Remembrance Day but throughout the year, to connect with someone, ask how they are, and really listen. Small acts of kindness and empathy are powerful ways to honour those who served and those who continue to bear the unseen weight of that service.”
Related links:
Teladoc Health UK | Virtual Mental Health Service
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