Veteran G.P. was referred to the Complex Treatment Service for help with distress associated with his military service. His main distressing experiences concerned feeling on edge, not able to relax but not understanding why he felt this way, alongside intrusive thoughts and trauma memories. This led G.P. to cope in ways such as distancing from relationships, and reacting understandably to his experiences with anxiety, low mood and a sense of guilt. The result of having experienced these ‘symptoms’ and his ways of coping, meant that G.P. believed therapy may not help (as he had poor previous experiences of mental health support)and he was in some way ‘permanently stuck’ with how he experienced life, moving further from his values and feeling caught in a loop.
Former veteran G.P. had this to say about his experience of the Veteran Mental Health Complex Treatment Service:
When you were first referred to the CTS, what were your hopes and expectations?
“I didn’t have any hopes because of previous bad experiences. My expectations were that I was going to be fobbed off and that there would be a time limit of 6-8 sessions – I expected it to be like every other service I’ve used, people letting me down or not understanding, no common ground, not being able to relate.”
What did you learn?
“At the CTS it was all about the connection – I never felt berated or stigmatised. The CTS concentrated on coming up with ideas between us (not just given “off the shelf”). I have been given positive recognition for my efforts and it’s helped me realise what I’m doing and reinforces what I’m learning about myself. I’m not just told what to do.”
What were the main challenges for you and how did you overcome them?
“Previous experience of mental health support was not great – I felt like I was going around in circles and having to repeat myself – an endless loop and never moving further forward. It’s different at the CTS – there’s a connection, a human connection that is consistent. The conversations are two-way and focus on what my goals are, my recovery journey, my ways of coping with the pressure in my life since leaving the military.”
What single piece of advice would you give to other veterans who may be struggling with their mental health?
“Reach out to the teams in Op COURAGE – they’re friendly, they’re approachable. You have to have the expectation that it will take time, it’s important to engage and try things before dismissing ideas, and if they don’t work then be honest with your therapist.”