Jun 14
Soldiering On – A Journey With PTSD
Signed up to the army as a fresh-faced sixteen-year-old, Nathan had little idea of what was realistically ahead of him. Ten years of dedicated service later and a multitude of horrifying memories, the ex-soldier’s struggles truly began as he tried to integrate back into civilian life with no support.
As his mental health gradually declined, so did the world around him. Each day became a waking nightmare with vivid traumatic flashbacks, paranoia and a constant barrage of intrusive and violent thoughts. He lost jobs, and his home and relationships, lived rough, attempted suicide and narrowly escaped a prison sentence. Eventually, he was diagnosed with PTSD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Nathan’s soldier mantra “adapt and overcome” demonstrates how a veteran can return from the brink of despair to finding love and leading a fulfilled life on Civvy Street. Now a fundraiser for other veterans – Nathan’s story brings hope, resilience, courage and a dose of good humour.
