Hoping Against Hope: Gurkha Veterans’ Narratives of Mental Health, Activism, and Justice

Gurkha veterans hold a celebrated yet marginalised position within the British military system, where longstanding inequalities continue to shape their post-service lives. Although Gurkha activism has become increasingly visible, little is known about how veterans themselves understand mental health within a prolonged struggle for justice. This study explores how Gurkha veterans experience and make sense of mental health through activism and justice. Using Narrative Inquiry, in-depth interviews were conducted with five Gurkha veterans involved in ongoing justice movements. Analysis generated three collective storylines: Stories of Awakening, Stories of Enduring, and Stories of Holding On. These narratives depicted distress as cumulative, moral, and intergenerational rather than as discrete episodes of trauma. Activism functioned simultaneously as an emotional burden and a source of healing, solidarity, and purpose. Spirituality, family ties, and ancestral meaning-making helped veterans maintain hope amid persistent injustice. This study provides a rare, culturally grounded psychological account of Gurkha veterans’ mental health, showing how suffering and resilience are shaped by colonial histories and the emotional demands of activism. The findings highlight the need for trauma-informed support that recognises activism as a significant context for both vulnerability and wellbeing. Future research should include wider Gurkha perspectives and develop community-led approaches to justice, healing, and mental health.