Christmas 2019 Stephen's Story
BE THERE FOR VETERANS THIS CHRISTMAS
Stephen's Story
After a incident in Iraq, Stephen was left with PTSD and nearly lost everything. Our intensive treatment helped him turn everything around.
“When I was in Iraq, our vehicle was shot at and caught fire. Then I was on fire too. I was flown to hospital for skin grafts and when my body healed, I was redeployed. I just cracked on with it.
“Then a few years after leaving the Army, it was like being hit by a shovel. I felt overwhelmed with intense anger and guilt. I started seeing everything outside as a threat, and for a long time I couldn’t leave the house. I had low moods that felt like grey clouds over my head. I felt suicidal. My relationship with my wife started to fall apart and my children didn’t want to visit.”
After talking to his GP, Stephen had treatment for PTSD with the NHS, but it didn’t solve his problems. Then he heard about Combat Stress.
“It was very difficult for me to call the Helpline. Talking about mental health isn’t something you’re taught to do in the military. But my wife made me go through with the call. If I hadn’t, it would’ve been the end of our marriage.”
Calling the Helpline was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. but if I hadn't done it, I'd be six feet under by now."
A six-week PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme (ITP) at Hollybush House changed everything.
“When I was walking down the hill to Hollybush House, I felt genuinely safe for the first time in years. The staff were so understanding and empathetic. They found treatment that worked for me, which included handling two dogs, Zorran and Maisie.
“I’ve never been into pets but it was amazing to see the effect when the dogs came to Hollybush House. If I’d had a tough day of therapy, just playing with something so kind and friendly helped move my mind out of the horrible place it was in. I found it very calming and grounding.
“The ITP completely changed my outlook. I learnt how to take care of my mental health in the long-run. My attitude towards life is different. I don’t see threats in everyday things like I used to. I was able to go to my daughter’s wedding recently, which I would’ve avoided before, because I couldn’t stand crowds.
“We’re having our first big family Christmas this year too. I didn’t want to engage with anyone before, but now we’re going to spend time with family away from home. I’d never have done that before – the treatment has changed my life.”