Shirley Ghobrial: Rediscovering Purpose & Passion
Through PTSD Resolution

Living with PTSD can be an isolating, relentless fight - but Shirley Ghobrial's story offers a powerful message of hope. Struggling with the impact of military trauma, Shirley's life was once dominated by the symptoms of PTSD—until she found a lifeline in PTSD Resolution. 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the aftermath of trauma, Shirley's story of rediscovery will not only inspire - but could also guide you toward a brighter tomorrow.

Born into a military family, Shirley’s life was challenging from the start - as her father’s service in the Royal Navy meant frequent relocations. Her formative years were spent in boarding school, where she excelled in athletics but ultimately had to set aside her dreams. “Life was difficult,” Shirley says. “I felt lost and had no stability at a young age, as my parents did not want to care for me.”

When she enlisted in the Army, Shirley was seeking the belonging that had eluded her in her youth - but service life brought its own challenges. She witnessed the aftermath of self-harm and survived an IRA bomb, placed outside her barracks in the early hours of the morning. These traumatic experiences left Shirley with long-undiagnosed symptoms of PTSD: jumpiness, disturbed sleep and a heightened startle response to everyday noises. As she navigated adulthood and started a family, these symptoms intensified, and she began feeling lost and misunderstood - often labelled by others as “mental.”

Spiralling Out Of Control

“Things were becoming progressively worse,” Shirley says. “I felt I had no control over my emotions and constant fear. I was feeling worthless. I was always looking over my shoulder, in fear someone may harm me. I had to sit nearest to the door, even in bed. I couldn’t be in a small room.”

Even as Shirley felt her life spiralling out of control, she held onto her desire to achieve - and a belief in her own abilities. While struggling daily, she embarked on a journey of self-improvement. A correspondence course in bookkeeping was the first step, followed by college exams, a management course - and, finally, training to become a dental nurse. Today, Shirley works as a practice manager - a testament to her grit and tenacity.

A Turning Point

But how did she turn her life around whilst in the grip of Post Traumatic Stress? 

Shirley first heard about PTSD Resolution during a temporary stay at Mike Jackson House, where a medic suggested she might benefit from the free and non-invasive therapy offered to UK Veterans, Reservists and family members. While initially sceptical, Shirley soon found that the patient, understanding approach of PTSD Resolution was precisely what she needed. 

“It wasn’t an easy process,” she admits, as her “stubbornness” meant she didn’t accept help readily - but once she found a therapist she could trust, she began to make real progress. Shirley was able to master techniques for managing the stress and anxiety associated with her Complex PTSD - and, importantly, she found her love for sports had been reignited.

A New Beginning

From cycling to netball, rowing to hiking, sports became Shirley’s outlet - and a very effective coping mechanism. Her adventurous spirit led her to try her hand at speedboat racing with Team Endeavour - and activities accessed via the Royal British Legion like cycling and indoor rock climbing boosted her confidence and self-esteem.

"I’ve been to the Cotswolds for many weekend activities - boating, zip wiring - nothing was stopping me! I did a 34-mile South Downs ride - and the 13 Bridges Challenge through SSAFA and won a medal! I did a road cycling course - that was tough as it was mainly all men! Then I went to the Highlands and did a load of new activities - water rafting, frisbee, jumping off cliffs (wow that was scary, but fun!), paintballing! We lived in a tent for 5 days; lucky the weather wasn’t too bad!”

Shirley’s most thrilling adventures came in 2023. She joined TEAM UK at the US Air Force Trials, where she won a bronze medal in the 50m relay swim and a gold for best performance – and participated in swimming racing at the Veterans Games in Israel, where she won a bronze, two silver and a gold medal. “I was very honoured,” she says. “When you join these types of activities you get to meet many other Veterans, on their own personal journeys - and you share opportunities & experiences with them.”

Spreading the Word

Shirley’s advocacy for PTSD Resolution is unwavering. Only recently she recommended the service to a colleague in distress, emphasising the support and coping strategies the charity offers. She dreams of a future where PTSD Resolution is a household name, a first recommendation from GPs to Veterans in need, because “people need to know that these therapists are actually out there.”

Shirley’s story illustrates that no matter how tough the inner battle may be, reaching out can pave the way to a fulfilling life. PTSD Resolution played a pivotal role in Shirley’s journey, providing not just therapy - but a path to rediscovering joy and purpose.

“Without the support I received I would never of moved forward, since leaving the Army,” she says. “Veterans out there… believe in yourselves, reach out! It is hard, it is tough, but you can beat these demons!”

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.