ALEX LOCHRIE ✞
Legionnaire
Combat Stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as it is more communly called, is something that many of us with military service are well aware of.
It is something, (particularly in the UK) that those suffering from it, find hard to get help with. They find it difficult to talk to Medival experts, no matter how qualified they are in dealing with the problem when originating from a non military background, but who have no idea what it is like to have operated in a combat zone.
Many suffer from physical as well as mental scars and require more help than is being made available from the authorities. Once medically discharged, they are no longer the services' problem and most feel that they have been abandoned to the NHS which does not wish to become involved.
In Scotland we only have one charitable center at Holybush House near Ayr, which specialises in treating Combat Stress. It is a beautiful small residential complex but with only 25 single rooms and a couple of family units. Veterans can come here for short term treatment or to give their families a bit of a break from the anguish of living with someone suffering from this dramatic illness.
I have become involved with a charity called GARDENING LEAVE (www.gardeningleave.org) who help veterans suffering from PTSD through Horticulture to make sure that they get the most out of their time with us in the garden by matching them with the activities which suit their physical abilities and social and emotional needs on any particular day. My involvement is introducing them to art and its theraputic values.
I know that there may be some of you who visit this forum who suffer in this way. If you feel that airing your thoughts on this forum to fellow veterans might help you, or would rather communicate with me in private, please feel free to do so either by posting in this thread or by sending me a PM.
There are fellow veterans out there who can help you, it is not unique to you.
Together we can help to ease your problem.
A problem shared is a problem halved and remember tomorrow is the start of the rest of your life. Turn a page and keep smiling.
P.S. Perhaps this could be made a 'Sticky'
It is something, (particularly in the UK) that those suffering from it, find hard to get help with. They find it difficult to talk to Medival experts, no matter how qualified they are in dealing with the problem when originating from a non military background, but who have no idea what it is like to have operated in a combat zone.
Many suffer from physical as well as mental scars and require more help than is being made available from the authorities. Once medically discharged, they are no longer the services' problem and most feel that they have been abandoned to the NHS which does not wish to become involved.
In Scotland we only have one charitable center at Holybush House near Ayr, which specialises in treating Combat Stress. It is a beautiful small residential complex but with only 25 single rooms and a couple of family units. Veterans can come here for short term treatment or to give their families a bit of a break from the anguish of living with someone suffering from this dramatic illness.
I have become involved with a charity called GARDENING LEAVE (www.gardeningleave.org) who help veterans suffering from PTSD through Horticulture to make sure that they get the most out of their time with us in the garden by matching them with the activities which suit their physical abilities and social and emotional needs on any particular day. My involvement is introducing them to art and its theraputic values.
I know that there may be some of you who visit this forum who suffer in this way. If you feel that airing your thoughts on this forum to fellow veterans might help you, or would rather communicate with me in private, please feel free to do so either by posting in this thread or by sending me a PM.
There are fellow veterans out there who can help you, it is not unique to you.
Together we can help to ease your problem.
A problem shared is a problem halved and remember tomorrow is the start of the rest of your life. Turn a page and keep smiling.
P.S. Perhaps this could be made a 'Sticky'