PTSD Silent Heartache

By Tony Kid Yarwood

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and associated symptoms such as flashbacks, anger, avoidance, huge alcohol binges, fighting, hyper vigilance the list is endless but not easy on the eye. Tell yourself that it is OK and very normal even for hardened soldiers who have experienced trauma. Under no circumstances does it mean you lack in moral fibre, absolutely not. Remind yourself that the worst is over - it happened in the past and this is the present. You survived these terrible events so you have proved that you have the courage to fight this illness head-on and get through these awful memories with the right professional help. You’re not alone and never think that you are. Speak to someone now, or seek professional advice from your medical officer, padre, regimental or unit welfare officer or unit association if you are still serving. If you are a veteran go to the many organisations that are there to support veterans such as the Royal British Legion or SSAFA forces help, help for heroes, veterans first or combat stress who will help, advise and point you in the right direction. Part of the brain that stores memories and emotional events is called the amygdale and it is here where all the bad memories are locked in. They can remain locked in or they can be released due to a trigger that unleashes all those past and awful memories. These memories require re-processing by exposing the trauma through controlled methods and professional guidance through specialists in PTSD therapy. They will attempt to store these awful memories back in their box again, hopefully for good, or they will at least change the way you deal with each memory or trauma to live as normal a life as practically possible. Its all about taking that all important first step yourself. This book will help serving servicemen and women regular and reserve including veterans to decide what direction you should take - so, go on do something about it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tony Kid Yarwood
• Release date: Jan 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310739057

Tony Kid Yarwood

I am a Army veteran and served in Northern Ireland during the troubles in the late seventies and eighties, Belize in Central America, the Falklands War and Sierra Leone. After care of our brave servicemen and women, regular or reserve should be for life after serving their country; especially for those brave men and women who suffered life changing injuries or invisible illnesses such as PTSD. That said there are fantastic organisations that do help veterans including the veterans own unit, and they are very much appreciated for their hard work and compassion. After serving in HM Forces all veterans should have the complete support from the Government - instead some face historical allegations of long gone battles when they are in retirement. This is a kick in the teeth considering what the government did concerning the Good Friday Agreement. They should stop such harassment from organisations who see pound signs as a way of making a living rather than the compassion and support a veteran should have when putting his/her life on the line! If veterans of today were treated in the manner in which the Falkland Islanders treated me when I went back to the Falklands in 2019 many veterans would be content. They treat veterans like royalty and make them feel so welcome. If we could collect the gift they have in bottles the world would be a better place.

Book preview

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Tony Yarwood

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Tony Yarwood

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Authors Note

Preface

1. I was normal once

2. Soldier stress has affected service personnel for thousands of years why has nothing changed since the Great War?

3. By 2024 PTSD may have serious repercussions with veterans of our services including the reserve forces. Does the government care?

4. What is PTSD?

5. My story so far & advice to sufferers, family and friends

6. A Paratroopers brief self-help guide to managing suffering in silence

7. The Parachute Association

Acknowledgements

My mum and dad for their understanding and continual love and support. My son Anthony and daughters Natalie and Danielle for being there when I needed them. My sisters Susan (an absolute rock) and Michelle for their encouragement. My brothers 'Face' and Lionel for being my brothers in arms and my wife and love Susan for putting up with me for all these years xx. To all my friends past and present and relatives. The two new additions to my family Jessica & Tommy & not forgetting my little companion Tigger

All the instructors of the Parachute Regiment past and present for hammering home their unique expertise and soldiering skills and tactics that keeps many a young paratrooper switched on to survive on the battlefield when the going gets tough. They’re the best in the business, so put your trust in them.

Authors Note

No complicated medical jargon or referral to specialists waiting to cart you away in straight jackets, just simple honesty straight from the heart. For the person suffering in silence, if by reading this short guide you can take away just one portion of its contents then it will have been worth it. If a spouse, family or friend has a better understanding of this silent illness and a clearer picture of what PTSD entails then that makes it all the more worth it. It wont hurt. Go on give it a go.

Preface

I have a set routine in typical squaddie fashion every morning that is carried out with military