John
John’s journey took a transformative turn when he discovered PTSD Resolution - and with effective support, he not only overcame his darkness, but found a renewed purpose in offering hope to those battling similar demons. Growing up on a council estate in Manchester, John’s early years were marked by stark contrasts. Despite the deprivation around him, he was nurtured by two loving parents -and his older brothers, though significantly older, were always part of his life. Today, he is a devoted family man - with three children, all thriving in their respective fields, and a wife of 30 years who describes as “a pillar of strength.” Yet, beneath this picture of stability lay a history of unresolved pain. The seeds of trauma The seeds of John's trauma were sown early. One brother's service in the forces had ended tragically, while the other grappled with severe bipolar disorder. “I also lost my Nan quite early on,” he recalls, “and then my cousin, who was only 18 at the time. I think I was about nine or ten. That was hard.” Struggling with dyslexia in a system ill-equipped to support him, John found solace and purpose in the army at just 16. His service included tours in the Gulf, Northern Ireland and Cyprus. The horrors he witnessed on tour - mutilated bodies and the grim aftermath of conflict - were successively buried deep within, unspoken and unaddressed. Beyond the Forces On leaving the army, John transitioned to the prison service, a job that offered little relief and, in fact, reawakened many traumas. “I started to deal with instances of self-harm and suicide - and really severe violence," he says. "Watching people get assaulted, dealing with complex mental health needs, people on substances. It was all adding to what was already in there.” Life began to unravel rapidly as John developed an increasingly unhealthy relationship with alcohol. "I was getting quite emotional when I was drinking,” he remembers, "because I think it was all coming out then.” As the pressure grew, he began to dream of an escape. “I had thought about suicide,” he says. “Just an exit really. Because I didn't feel any value in myself…” |
A turning point Everything changed for John when an ex-Major, and friend, introduced him to PTSD Resolution. Dedicated to helping Veterans struggling with trauma and other mental health issues, the charity quickly became John's lifeline. "I gave them a ring and they were amazing, fantastic," he says. "They allocated me a therapist who started to work through all my problems. It was using the Human Givens philosophy, which was really quick, a really quick intervention." Under the guidance of a compassionate therapist, John began to unpack his trauma. The changes were both profound and rapid, as he was steered away from the brink of suicide and towards a renewed sense of purpose. On a mission to give back John’s experience with PTSD Resolution has not only transformed his own life, it has inspired him to help others navigate their own darkness - especially those in high-stress roles like the military, police and emergency services. Today, John is on a mission to give back. "I'm actually going to start doing my diploma in counselling,” he says, “with a view to becoming a full-time counsellor. Hopefully I can work with and for PTSD Resolution, try and support them - and try to promote their sort of philosophy." John’s story speaks to the power of timely, compassionate intervention. His therapy not only restored his life, it ignited a passion. As he works toward his new role, John carries within him the belief that he can change someone else’s life for the better - just as PTSD Resolution changed his: "I really want to learn more about PTSD Resolution and get more involved!” he says. “It was amazing from start to finish, the aftercare, the confidentiality… I think it's a really valuable service, with amazing people doing an amazing job. Thank you.” For more information on PTSD Resolution please visit www.ptsdresolution.org PTSD Resolution is a charity (no. 1202649) that helps Veterans (any former Armed Forces Personnel), Reservists and Families who are struggling to reintegrate into a normal work & family life because of trauma suffered during military service and other adverse life events. The charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services. |