My traumatic event took place in the Falklands, in particular the events of the 21st May 1982. I started having nightmares and flashbacks in the mid 1990s. At first these were infrequent. Recently I was under a tremendous amount of pressure, both at work and with domestic issues, and the nightmares/flashbacks increased - culminating in the worst attack I have ever had.
"Before this attack, I did nothing about my problems. The attitude when I served in the Royal Navy from 1977 to 2004 was that there was 'stigma' attached to PTSD. I also thought that I could handle it. After my attack, a workmate (also ex-forces) recommended I look at the 'Veteran's Gateway' website - where I discovered PTSD Resolution. I contacted them online and within 5 minutes someone rang to offer help. Within 72 hours I was in touch with a personal consultant.
"Before my treatment I was suffering from the same recurring nightmare. This had been going on for several years but had grown in intensity and frequency to the point it had virtually taken over my life. I could not sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time as my brain would not switch off and bounced from one thing to another. It felt like my mind was in a tumble dryer. I was becoming irritable at the slightest thing. I could spend a whole evening watching TV programmes and not have a clue what I had just watched. Likewise, if I tried to read a book I would end up re-reading the same paragraph with nothing being mentally absorbed.
"My treatment has managed to stop me reliving the same nightmare again and again. I have managed to establish a routine which, when followed, allows me to refocus my mind and enjoy decent periods of sleep. Using the 7/11 breathing helps me relax when needed and stop becoming wound up in challenging situations. I have managed to read a chapter or t
