Veteran Storyteller's powerful interview on BBC Radio 4

One of our veteran storytellers, Craig Mealing, was interviewed earlier today (Tuesday 23 May) on BBC Radio 4's One to One programme. He was in conversation with master potter Keith Brymer-Jones, from the Great Pottery Throwdown, who is well known for being moved to tears by a pot made by one of the contestants. You can listen to the piece here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001m4qk

The theme was 'crying', and Craig spoke openly and honestly about his struggles with PTSD, how Combat Stress treated him and about dealing with emotions and learning to cry.

Craig joined the Army in 1990, at the age of 16. Serving for 23 years, he completed tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

When he returned to civilian life, his constant state of high-alert meant that he found himself walking backwards down the street. He later turned to alcohol and began to find home life difficult. He became aggressive, had night terrors, and even became homeless as a result of his mental health issues.

Following his diagnosis of PTSD from Combat Stress, Craig recognised that it wasn’t him, that he had a condition that can be managed with the right tools. Craig discovered his talent for throwing pots as part of the art therapy sessions he took part in while undergoing treatment. Now he not only exhibits his work, but also finds the act of making pottery a very mindful and calming exercise.

You can find out more about Craig’s story, here: https://living-with-ptsd.combatstress.org.uk/#section-craig