Shirley Ghobrial

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.

 

Early Life and Military Service

Born into a military family, Shirley’s life was challenging from the start — 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. 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. While struggling daily, she embarked on a journey of self-improvement: a correspondence course in bookkeeping, college exams, a management course, and eventually training to become a dental nurse. Today, Shirley works as a practice manager — a testament to her grit and tenacity.

A Turning Point

Shirley first heard about PTSD Resolution during a stay at Mike Jackson House, where a medic suggested she might benefit from the free, non-invasive therapy offered to UK Veterans, Reservists and family members.

While initially sceptical, she soon found the patient, understanding approach of PTSD Resolution was exactly what she needed. “It wasn’t an easy process,” she admits, as her “stubbornness” made accepting help difficult. But once she connected with a therapist she trusted, Shirley began to make real progress.

She learned to manage the stress and anxiety associated with Complex PTSD — and reignited her love for sports.

A New Beginning

From cycling to netball, rowing to hiking, sports became Shirley’s outlet and an effective coping mechanism. Her adventurous spirit led her to try speedboat racing with Team Endeavour, and she joined Royal British Legion activities like indoor climbing and the 13 Bridges Challenge.

“I’ve been to the Cotswolds for weekend activities — boating, zip wiring — nothing was stopping me! I did a 34-mile South Downs ride and a road cycling course with mostly men! Then I went to the Highlands: water rafting, frisbee, cliff jumping, paintballing — we lived in a tent for 5 days!”

Shirley’s most thrilling year came in 2023. She joined TEAM UK at the US Air Force Trials, winning a bronze medal in the 50m relay swim and a gold for best performance. She also competed at the Veterans Games in Israel, earning a bronze, two silver, and a gold medal in swimming.

“I was very honoured,” she says. “When you join these types of activities you meet other Veterans on their own journeys, and you share opportunities and experiences with them.”

Spreading the Word

Shirley now actively recommends PTSD Resolution to others, recently referring a colleague in distress. She dreams of a future where PTSD Resolution is a household name and the first recommendation from GPs. “People need to know that these therapists are actually out there.”

Her story is proof that no matter how tough the inner battle, reaching out can lead to healing. PTSD Resolution gave Shirley not just therapy, but a path to rediscovering purpose and joy.

“Without the support I received, I would never have 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!”