Kenneth, 12 years in Cheshire Regiment.
“I've been on edge for as long as I can remember. There was a lot of trouble at home when I was a kid. I grew up thinking violence was everywhere — and it was. As I got older, things got worse. My mum was stabbed. I was in a horrendous car crash that killed my friend — and then I got blamed for causing the crash.”
“I dealt with things by getting blitzed. Always the same routine — I'd go out with my mates and just sit there scanning for trouble, swilling as much alcohol as I could. By the end of the night, my rage and fear would explode and I'd end up in a massive fight. I always woke up hating myself, but then I'd go and do it again.”
“If I could have one wish, I'd have found PTSD Resolution years ago.”
“I felt better after the very first session. My therapist explained a lot about how emotions work — and why I was always looking for danger. He told me there were strategies I could use to ground myself when I was on edge. He told me a lot of my problems were coming from these constant negative thoughts and that I had the power to 'watch out' for them — and even stop them.”
“We worked through a lot of things, events in my life that had stuck with me. After a few sessions, I realised I wasn't thinking about the same old issues. Normally I would be going over and over (and over) them. For the first time, I was actually feeling relaxed.”
“I started thinking maybe I could change my life. I could change my job. I could stop going away for months at a time and maybe work on the land. Buy a house even. Instead of thinking all that was impossible, I realised I actually had the skills to make it happen. I could have a relationship. Why not? My therapist even helped me stop smoking. I could change things quicker if I saved more and smoked less, so we started working on that.”
“The big test was a night out. I went out with the boys one Friday after therapy — and it didn't end in a fight. I was relaxed. I wasn't looking for danger and I didn't need twenty drinks. I used my grounding techniques, and, for once, I woke up feeling good about myself.”
“Everyone says I've changed. My friends and my family say I'm a more peaceful man, which is huge. I was so angry before. I had to drink to block out the memories and things would get out of my control. The anger doesn't build up anymore, because I know how to regulate myself if I need to. Life is easier.”
“I didn't think anyone could help me with the black stuff I was carrying around — but PTSD Resolution did. I'm at peace with myself. I'm hopeful about the future. And I am just so grateful.”