Ex Special Air Service SAS Soldier Rusty Firmin - PTSD and how I dealt with it + more

[@brianfindlay2925]

If a government is willing to send soldiers to war then they should be prepared to help soldiers after the war, it shouldn't just be left to charities. God bless our veterans.

[@al488j]

I agree with you but what does is done to prepare the military (mentally) before deploying to a war zone?

[@stevied8855]

Dear Brian, That's so true. Rusty and the lads did an amazing job. I'm ex Army, but they did a Sterling job back then that even today would be real special. Hence the name Special Air Service. The Best in the World. Stevie in Fife.

[@SteveWood_Commando_at_large]

Everyone please share this! Rusty's experience may help save someone's life.

[@sagittariusa2283]

I suffer CPTSD and I'm having EMDR therapy it's going well with noticeable results. If you suffer PTSD don't suffer any more get help, don't be ashamed or afraid. Good video Rusty 👍

[@johnpaulmcqueenie6581]

Disgusting how our hero's are treated once there service is over.. The Mod and politicians should be ashamed.

[@jamiearnold1711]

If PTSD can affect a man like Rusty -- a man who's passed SAS selection--then that should tell you that it's no joke. Thanks for sharing this, Rusty, and thank you for your service.

[@scrimmo]

Thanks. The toughest guys talking about the ‘not so toughest’ subjects like this is very honourable and valuable. British MOD sound about as competent on this as the Australian command

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Really

[@kevinharrington5011]

I have PTSD from my time in the Fire Service. Feels like I've been to the gates of hell at times, but if I had my time again I'd be a Fireman. There's nothing else I'd rather do. Often wonder how the generations of our military personnel have coped after what they've been through. Keep up the good work Rusty👍

[@s0ikk3li37]

Rusty your heart is Gold. If there were More like you.

[@joejohnson5543]

Very true, my uncle slept with one eye open since Burma until he passed. And can concur it also affects families in various ways especially sf. Even generations later can be suspicious when info is not around. Keep up the good work our vets deserve better 👍🥃🇬🇧

[@jeremyharford6541]

Its refreshing to hear about mental health issues from someone who has been in the midst of danger and who has stood up to terrorists and yet, can go through these anxiety issues. Just proves, no-one can hide from this illness. Thank you Rusty. 👍

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Pleasure

[@mentalneil]

Thanks for highlighting PTSD, I've been diagnosed with it since 2004/5, my trigger incident was back in 1987in Londonderry NI, during my 1st of 3 tours. I was diagnosed by my GP first but then confirmed by one of the leading charities in the UK, however that charity turned its back on me after I highlighted that a case of confidentiality hsd accrued, I faught to clear my name and to get taken back for treatment, they once again turned their back on me when I refused to 6part in their 6 week treatment program, and I gave a number of valid reasons why not. Since 2013 I have had to fight my demons alone.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Thank you Sir for what you and others like you have done. I pray you all get the help and assistance you all need.

[@letmeoffthisplanet6208]

It winds me up the amount of people on the streets and i'm not talking just about ex military when accommodation can be found in seconds for those coming over in boats from France yet our own have cardboard boxes in a doorway, nobody should be homeless in this day and age. As for PTSD my own doctor palmed me off with upper's saying i had depression, i know what i've been through and seen over the years and a lot was real life horror film. I took the uppers for a while and stopped but i volunteered at a museum in Cumbria for a long time and was tail end on a tour one day, it was afterwards a woman stopped me and asked to speak. I don't think she even said her name but asked if i knew i had PTSD and we talked, apparently the lass is the specialist for UK SpecOp regarding PTSD diagnosis and treatment and i think if i remember right from Devon/Cornwall way so if anyone does know who this woman is can they give her a thankyou from myself as the chat we had opened my mind and as a result put a few demons away for good,the rest i'm still fighting but i'll get there.

[@lesliesimpson4362]

I applaud you for covering this issue,when someone like you who most people think are super human admit to having this problem it helps so many others realise there not on their own and they can get help,let’s hope the military & government give the support so many sufferers need 💙

[@Tony-nn3gl]

Imagine what happened to World War One and world war 2 soldiers there was absolutely nothing for them. I think the government of today should be totally ashamed of themselves the way veterans are treated.

[@elvischrist8826]

My Grandad was utterly broken after WW2. My uncle was a psychiatric nurse, my Dad a Psychology teacher at the local college, which is quite ironic as the family has many problems. My Grandad never regained happiness, which is why they sought out those jobs.

[@ogyxfallvanlore8511]

I'm qualified painter and carpenter, b2 combat engineer. reclaim the deserted barracks . you have my details. I too am a volunteer!

[@aaronvardy4985]

A truly inspirational talk on PTSD. From what I knew of you I thought you were like Superman. Nothing could touch you. Couldn't of been easy to open up like that but I believe you have helped a lot of people to seek help and support. Thank you Rusty

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks for you compliment. Who Dares Wins Rusty

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

It’s the only way to get it out in the open, don’t hide!!

[@chrispig7748]

Thanks for talking about this, I have anxiety it’s a life sentence just had to find some way to manage it myself. Counselling didn’t work for me.

[@elvischrist8826]

I've been there, you're not alone mate. We are everywhere and thankfully we can speak about it now. Good luck mate.

[@Dan_1987]

chris pig going through it right along with you mate, diagnosed anxiety and panic disorder. Currently doing a 6 week course with vitaminds at the referral of my doctor. We’ll get through it hang in there mate

[@chrispig7748]

Dan hope it works out for you mate, wish you the best

[@michaelnorton7882]

Dear Rusty one cannot stress how important the need to help our veterans is! Perhaps you could be so kind as to post me and this chat the names and contact details of the charities you know and recommend ? We can in turn pass this onto our networks. Finally thank you for your help on this matter and of course for your service to our dear country. God bless you. Micky

[@johnregan326]

Rusty my heart goes out to you to talk about ptsd SAS WHO DARES WINS👍🇬🇧.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks and stay tuned. Many more vids to come. Who Dares Wins Rusty

[@ch3mast3r18]

Thanks rusty for highlighting issues of Veterans like us who suffer from PTSD. We need to all contact our local councils Vetetans Champion. They are in the position to fulfill the Armed Forces Covenant and to pressure those in government to change and provide us with a Veterans Office, similar to what other coalition countries have in place. As you say if it wasn't for charities we wouldn't have any help.

[@darrenoak7187]

These people should get the help they need without question, the MOD and government must be held accountable

[@dingerbell100]

Well said Rusty. As a Veteran of 24 years I & 11 operational tours I succumbed to PTSD after leaving the service in 2010. Thank you for talking about the effect PTSD has on families. If it was not for the love & support of my wonderful wife who battled my demons with me & stood by me & helped me to the support that has ultimately led me on the path to a slow but steady recovery I would not be here today From my own personal perspective letting go & acceptance was the biggest hurdle...I was not prepared to admit it was happening to me for a very long period, when I finally reach acceptance things began to become easier. In the service Rank & responsibility come with the job but once you are a civvy they mean nothing & I could not believe it was happening to me. You are correct ... the MoD & Veterans UK are not fit for purpose. My loving wife battled Veterans UK with the assistance of an RBL lawyer for five years on my behalf before eventually getting them into the High Court in London where they finally agreed on a settlement & I was awarded a War Pension. No wonder so many of our men & women give up, hit the bottle or medication or recreational drugs & become part of the homelessness statistics or suicide themselves. It’s a travesty. Personally I would have given up on receipt of the first letter of reply ... when Veterans UK told me there was no case to answer. My claim for PTSD was supported by two independent assessments by Psychiatrists & having had no other employment since leaving school at 16 until leaving the service after 24 years its hard to imagine what other events in my life would have lead to a diagnosis of Chronic Complex Combat PTSD! I have lost several friends who have decided that life was not worth living .... I’m the first to admit I’ve thought about it too in the past. But in the end I know that if I do that I will just transfer all the hurt & the pain on to others. I do not in any way criticise my brothers who have taken their own lives due to PTSD, I know that it was a choice that they made in the circumstances they were in when the mental & physical pain & anguish became overwhelming. Thank you once again for your words. Per Mare Per Terram .... I know you don’t like Booties ! :)

[@blunderz2699]

Great video , have never served in the military but find life hard enough without the things people like yourself have had to deal with,much respect to all of you , and said it before this and the previous governments should hang their heads in shame

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

They're a disgrace. Who Dares Wins Rusty

[@fru8365]

Thank you for posting Mr. Firmin.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks for watching. Rusty

[@yorkshireboy2685]

Thank you Rusty and thank you all, love and respect, JC

[@vanlifenomad]

Thank you, i was waiting for this video and its helped

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Great

[@tracyappleby2448]

Well I'm not a veteran. However. I know a few of you. And having listened to this I have few symptoms and can see on both sides. Having lost my son 2yr ago to suicide 💔. I was offered tablets but sorry I didn't except due to the fact a tablet does not stop you grieving. I have many what ifs done the cruise councillor. What I find helps me is to be with people who have experience in loss. Again like I said a tablet doesn't help but now I've got to have a tablet due to me coping but then other things on top..My advice is always speak to someone anyone. Text books are crap. Good friends 24/7. 💪 people and will even on a bad . It absolutely 💯 affects the family. I know. But on a positive note. Let's keep going 💪

[@sarahshuttleworth895]

😢

[@aceconcept]

Scotland is said to have 790 islands depending on you believe. Only a few are inhabited. Why don't the SAS set up a PTSD recovery centre for soldiers on one of them. Use technology like the muse device that can help retrain,reset brainwave patterns back onto the alpha (relaxed and recharging) frequency it is also the meditation and hypnosis frequency and does reprogramme the mind,best used then in a very quiet place.Everyone pass' through alpha twice a day 1st when waking and then when falling asleep.So if you are in high tension in your mind and can no longer down shift into alpha you would have trouble sleeping.

[@derekmclauchlan8636]

Absolutely fantastic well done all our forces hero's and thanks so much rusty for the great work you are doing for our injured vets, well done guys total respect!!

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks Derek All the best

[@derekmclauchlan8636]

Thanks so much for your reply rusty, we need so much more of people like you to help our guys and girls and all the homeless vets, would love to talk to you about the illegal immigrants but can't do that, we know what we are thinking!!!give the support to the real people in life, WHO DARES WINS!!

[@MarkGarth]

Spot on Rusty. We desperately need full life veteran support in this country. Discounts and railcards are nice, but accommodation and intervention are really needed for vets on the streets, often with drug or alcohol issues.

[@frankbell4647]

Another cracking video mate hope the MOD get there finger out !!!!

[@elliottg.1954]

Rusty, much respect and thanks to you for your service. And thanks for being so frank with us, it can't have been easy for you. I have an older brother who could be your double, other than he was never SAS. He was on Op Banner several times in the early to late 1980s, seeing and experiencing some terrible incidents and sudden deaths among his mates, very close to home. It must be thirty years since bro' first became ill as a result of compounded trauma over several years, without a chance to recover in between. Like our NHS, our Social Care system is reportedly broken and dysfunctional. It probably is. Thanks for helping veterans, Rusty. Honestly he's never used alcohol or drugs because he's allergic to them. People don't want to hear about mental health, and society has no time for it. That has in the past included the Armed forces and, by the way, some personnel insist that "it's not a proper disability". His trauma-induced illness took his family and his stability down with him. He's diagnosed with PTSD and gets a hard-won small War pension as a direct result of his service. Because he's not visibly and physically wounded, apart from deafness, he is sidelined and dismissed. The social and emotional effects on him and his family are comparable to the damage caused by serious drug and alcohol addictions; it's really that destructive. He hasn't had much support from the MoD or the NHS over 25 years; they gave him pills and that was about it. The only way I know to describe PTSD is, think of a close and upsetting bereavement. A terrible incident you were involved in. Or something bad you witnessed, and how those situations traumatised and affected you. The physiological effects on you and people close to you, can last a lifetime. All the best to you, Rusty.

[@HandleTurner]

I think the idea about opening empty barracks is a good one. The people will back helping the veteran's, I can't imagine why anyone would be against it.

[@maxcady645]

Rusty please do a video review on some of the Call of Duty SAS missions. Like the training mission “F.N.G.” at Hereford in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Also ones like “Clean House” or “The Wolf’s Den” in the new “Modern Warfare” which came out last year.

[@djjimmyreplay]

Well said Rusty and Respect for being honest about your own struggles Davie p was a great man whom I had some great chats with when he was well. He and others were failed by the Mod big time it needs sorting. Respect and all the best.

[@andrewlawrance338]

Hi Rusty I like your show it’s very interesting what you do for your country it shows the sacrifice on all levels the courage and the leadership of all your follow friends around you to give the sacrifice you are all heroes we won’t forget you take care rusty I’m from Australia all the best now

[@elvischrist8826]

Excellent video, do not ignore it folks! Don't hide away from mental health or make it a taboo. As a civie I've had depression and anxiety since I was a child. What Rusty is saying is it doesn't matter how tough, successful, brave, rich, poor you think you are: it can get you. I know! Don't laugh or grumble about mates who've been through hard times but behaviour strangely after , whether in the forces or in other situations, listen to them. Take it seriously. Offer help. Ta Rusty. COME ON MOD, TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.

[@robjhughes53]

Well said Rusty, all you veterans should get the help you need, when ever you need it...Non of you reneged on your part.

[@brianjohnman2131]

Thanks for your open message, I agree totally with you regarding the lack of support from Mod and any civilian institution really. I also left in 1992, and recall a few years after going through struggles I couldn't quite identify, back then then we talked about the gulf War syndrome, related to many usumptions, various visits to doctors and basically they had no idea what to do and shrugged it off to depression, luckily life has gotten alot better since then, but I have been wondering recently is it or was it a form of ptsd. Anyway thanks for sharing and it's good to know about charity's are around if advice is needed, or even volunteering to help others in future. Thanks you sir.

[@billevans7936]

Will CK out video shortly.....PTSD here as well...for decades..

[@beggins5102]

This has been going on even in the early 80,s had to spend some time down Wroughton and saw people from all three services being treated for mental health issues in a token matter of fact way, patched up and sent back to their units to carry on the good fight. I don’t know how we can treat individuals like this and then discard them for the next lot of recruits. I still suffer to this day but get through with the love of a good woman thank god. Thanks for sharing and if it helps one person then it’s job done 👍.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Probably since ww 1

[@andrewhill6946]

Rusty Thankyou for your service and Thankyou for talking about PTSD,and your bravery and honesty in talking about your own fight with PTSD,I found it very emotional for my own personal reasons.My idea would be to hold a national t v fund raiser every 2 years,like comic relief or children in need for all our veterans and the money would then be given out to all the different charities to do there good work,but it still needs government help and support as well.Thank you Rusty.🙏🙏👍😇

[@originalsyn2056]

London Underground Some 20 years ago A man with briefcase running for a train tripped and fell from the top of the underground escalator knocking his head on the way down at the bottom the blood was pooling from his head. that short film is imprinted on my mind forever Cheers Rusty

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Name of film

[@barryquinn52]

What a hero you are rusty, keep the good work going 👏 👍 💪 👌 x

[@torn.blue.sky101]

The more it went on the more I found myself nodding along in agreement. 100% on the button, absolutely drew direct parallels to my own experiences. Yes, there should be more help, a lot more. I've always found you get to a certain point (like you said) and they just seem to bug out on you leaving you completely in the lurch. Happened to me too many times to count, veterans first point were fantastic but their office where I live just sort of disappeared one day, for what reason, I have no idea. Making use of the disused barracks would be a massive step in the right direction. It's something we know, it's familiar, it gives that sense of belonging. Meet new mates, and find yourself in a much better place simply by being there. That in turn, would make it infinitely easier to address issues with staff on site. The government needs to wise up and look after their own, I find their empathy, morality and ethics severely lacking...And it doesn't half boil my piss. All good points well said.

[@aceconcept]

In my non military experience. Doctors are intellectually owned by big pharma in the UK. Whereas in the U.S. functional medicine doctors exist they get to the root cause of problems and uproot them. NHS say they are led by science but,for example,a problem like depression which is said to be low serotonin ( a neurotransmitter, brain chemical) serotonin levels are never tested. So how low is a persons level? How much medication to prescribe? With PTSD it is known that mentally stressful events wipe out a persons micro biome (thats the large intestine bacteria) Since 90% of a humans DNA are non human this is a bad thing.(This was Russian research,pilots biomes were tested before stressful missions and then after.)

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

My Father was in WWII Royal Navy and was sunk three times, once torpedoed in the Med, and twice on the same day June 6 1944 The final one he was trapped below decks and the ship was at the bottom, He broke out surfaced in Oil and survived physically At home now married to my mother he used to have what was in those days called "Night Tremmors" he used to scream and struggle, My mother somehow held him and comforted him through it, He was always OK in front of me as a child but what did I know Apparently the scream and struggle was a reply of the actual incident relived at night

[@antmax]

I read Nish Bruce's autobiography a while ago. And Frank Collins one too. Very touching, sad, sometimes funny and a real eye opener. I'm living in the states now, but we helped a recently homeless veteran living out on the American River Parkway get back on his feet, mostly because I remembered those books. He was a pretty good guy, wanted some really basic things like underpants, large ziploc bags to keep his valuables and food in, things you don't really think of. We got those and we put $70 of credit on his cell phone, gave him a USB powerbank and went around the city trying to get help for him. It was tough but eventually someone arranged an interview with him, he wouldn't take housing if his service dog wasn't allowed to stay with him. It was tough to get him help because most of the local charities were looking for minorities. If he wasn't a veteran with mental health issues he probably wouldn't have had a chance. In the end he got accommodation for both him and his dog and it was a great feeling to know that we made a difference. It only cost us a couple of hundred $ and doing a few rounds on the phone over a week or so to do it.

[@USKB]

God bless you, Rusty! Semper Fi!

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thank you Who Dares Wins

[@damianreilly2900]

Few are more qualified than you, Rusty to talk on this important subject. How can I contact people that you are aiming to assist?

[@billevans7936]

Shared....all the best....

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks Bill

[@jezpenny348]

Hi rusty nice to see back I remember my old grandad saying about his troubles he had from going to war.thay had a saying CANNON FODER .sound like things haven't changed much I think they need a kick up arse they need to talk to the man and woman who keep us free. If you don't mind me saying you are all truely heroes. As best jez

[@HoperehabcenterthailandAsia]

Sorry to hear about David, RIP - I will get in touch on email

[@goth_dude6874]

Dont matter how tough you are the anxiety side if it always beats you , people think youre strange because you make excuses why you avoid sutuations , its shit

[@williamharrison7797]

The army have always been good at looking after people when they are of use.

[@yorkshireboy2685]

Rusty, the homeless situation is terrible. I was in a Leeds homeless shelter in November and a lady in a wheelchair had been there months waiting for a converted home.

[@aceconcept]

To break out of stress one should have ones blood studied,levels of vitamins minerals and efa's should be tested.One would expect that magnesium levels would be low (this is the mineral that lowers tension in the body and guards against heart attacks)Without enough magnesium the body is unable to "stand easy" and is on permanent alert.If after 3 months on magnesium supplements the blood retest still shows low magnesium that's either low absorption or high levels of mercury (anything over one part per million is high) So avoid the flu shot as it contains thimerasol a mercury derivative, flu shots are free in the US to the economically inactive.

[@brianduncan992]

You and the other veterans were good enough to fight for your country so the government should be looking after our veterans, T-shirt ordered 👍

[@roguedrones]

I've always dared to look into the abyss and smiled. I won. Time to help the others perhaps?

[@helmutoil]

Hi Rusty I can see in your face what it means. I had something similar with setting up a business 18 years ago with what turned out to be questionable people and my young family and home was at stake. Nothing like what YOU or our fighting troops have been through. Let me know how to contact your charities and I and my business will contribute.

[@paulamos8970]

A disgusting situation that nothing is being done by authorities, just the charities. This needs to change.

[@chrisdavies73]

For me there exists only one panacea for anxiety. Single Malt Whisky. Yes I know that sounds stupid but it works for me. And exercise ;) Good video Rusty. Needs addressing. Got me Gloves T-shirt, fuckin' ace!

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Can I have them back mate

[@mikelane4896]

Rusty I dont know whether you know, but there is a couple the husband an ex para. They have a caravan park & are in the process of turning this park into a place for veterans with pad. If you are a veteran you can go there at no cost to you, but u can make a contribution if u feel u would like too. They are also asking for help to build this camp for veterans, they need people with & without skills, if you are interested in this, look for little veteran on KZbin or active Patriot. They would willingly give you any info you would like.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Thanks 🙏

[@mikelane4896]

@@RustyFirminSASTV your welcome.

[@marcs990]

I have severe PTSD, what does my Dr do...........NOTHING, he says he isn’t a psychiatrist, yet that’s as far as it goes. I try n talk to him n he interrupts me n says the above. I don’t know what to do

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Tell your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist, as that's their job. They shouldn't be saying no. There a few different ways and one being private therapy, but not everyone can afford it. All the best Rusty

[@marcs990]

Rusty Firmin SAS TV Thanks for replying Rusty, I’m really amazed that you did. I’m an ex Scaley & JTAC, I did P company thought & ended up in 216 Airborne Signal Squadron. All part of 16 Airborne Brg. The worse thing I had to go through was 6 mock executions that still bother me today, I didn’t do anything, I just knelt there waiting for the bang with a sack over my head. Bosnia was a bad one for me. Going out with 5 guys & setting up on various mountain tops, we saw some awful genocide. I won’t go on, I did tell my GP to refer me n I got a letter stating that my appointment is the middle of next year. I habe now fell into the legions arms who are helping me but I’m about to be evicted from my home which is the worst feeling of constant anxiety and fear. Thx again Rusty, Best regards, Mark

[@marcs990]

@Franny Goodwin Thanks mate, I’ve never heard of them before, I will definitely give them a try. The British legion is ok but they never check up on things when I go quiet n have bad episodes of PTSD. Then they dump u because u haven’t been “active” & then you’re left with nothing. Thx brother I will try it.

[@marcs990]

@Franny Goodwin I will, but how did you find them?? Are the better than the legion?, it’s just that sometimes I go to a very dark & possibly dangerous place, can be like that for 2 or so weeks, in the meantime the British Legion dumped me whilst I was curled up in my ball. That’s my only worry as if my hopes r lifted again n then nothing I don’t know what I will do

[@marcs990]

@Franny Goodwin thanks Brother, I will give them a call. Yeah I’m the same, been on too many head medication I’ve forgotten the names of nearly all of them & im currently on the meds that they last tried on me before saying they don’t know what else to try, so I’m stuck on them. I’m on 2 different types. Also a beta blocker that is supposed to help with feelings of anxiety. Where u in colly nick, or where u based there. U don’t have to say. I will certainly spread the word as I have many mates in a similar situation & sadly some who are no longer but yeah I will certainly give them a call. I appreciate the help buddy. Cheers, Mark

[@bradallen6009]

Hi rusty,I've never been in the service,however my son of 21yrs old who was in the army took his own life,we didn't realise he was struggling. There didn't seem to be any tale tale signs.i don't know if you have heard of all call signs.they look for missing veterans and current serving men and women through what's known as beacon alert.if you get the chance look them up, What a fantastic charity.in the mean time my family supports the beachy head Christian team.real human angels.i wish you all the best in your mental health .kind regards brad.

[@Quick2004]

Ministry of Defence doesn’t want responsibility’s too much task!... top officials don’t give fuck! Never stepped on a battlefield just office work think they know it all

[@vickysimms5886]

Hello Rusty. I cannot understand why PTSD is still not recognised as a disability via the military. Seems to me upon leaving the military, your out on your own! I want to tell you about a condition called Fibromyalgia, Fibro is believed to be brought on my a traumatic experience. Once diagnosed medication is offered along with a diet sheet! Basically, get on with it no help no support. Fibro comes with a whole list of debilitating issues in yet still not recognised as a disability. Unless experience this condition there is I find ignorance on subject! Although my condition does not compare to PTSD I can relate in many ways. Incidently, I went down a different route to manage my condition rather than box standard medication. 🤔😀

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Because mod would have to accept responsibility.

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

Help for Hero's has raised £239m and holds £45m in the bank,,Why can they not pay for these unused barracks to support all ex service persons I know the Gov should support but at least as we all chuck in the charity pot HFH should cough up in the short term

[@richardduplessis1090]

From a military point of view, overriding all the cultural inhibitions against killing comes at a high price for the individual. Beyond the macho bravado of youth, bolstered by the accolades of authority and peers, contrasted with the loneliness of personal reflection and the meaninglessness of plastic lego land of civilian life, PTSD is a devastating loneliness. I knew a guy who worked undercover, befriended, betrayed and kiiled other people in the course of that duty, who found it massively traumatic as he got older. Peematurely aged, white hair, an emaciated skeleton of his former self, addicted to alcohol and full of remorse, died a few years ago. You probably knew him.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Never heard of him sorry

[@richardduplessis1090]

@@RustyFirminSASTV I've emailed you more detail.

[@davidbutler4363]

Well said rusty😁👍👏👏👏

[@acimbobby]

Like you say it will be a fight to get anything done. Thanks for your genuine care and getting out there. Rusty my heart literally goes out to you and all the troopers. You have hit all the points in the bullseye again and a lot of civvies get problems too. I have had problems myself. Service men and women should get automatic help if they want it, with a priority in the Health Service (or payments to get Private Treatment). Trump is doing it so why can't the UK. If President Trump saw this post he would make you the Commander of the Operation. Boris wake up and do something off your own back. Special Forces will continue long after we are gone so let's hope it gets KICKstarted.

[@lepolhart3242]

It's disgusting that the government and MOD won't cough up and give alot more funding for veteran help and housing. It's seems they don't care. I'm sure the charities do what they can to help. Some people with PTSD who have been interviewed especially military veterans and child abuse survivors have said that having a good therapist they trust and facing and talking through every nightmare, flashback, bad memory they've experienced has helped them to deal with that particular memory and not be scared of it if confronted with it again. They said numbing the pain with alcohol or drugs or even antidepressants certainly didn't help them long term. It must be even more difficult for military veterans to talk about their PTSD as they have said alot of the military doesn't want to talk openly about it.

[@maxcady645]

Vets SHOULD NOT NEED charities! The Government should be looking after them!

[@dan9990]

a squaddie is for life not just christmas

[@sarahshuttleworth895]

Must of been horrible Rusty !!! 😫😢

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

It was but if you fight back it’s another battle won.

[@sarahshuttleworth895]

Rusty Firmin SAS TV I knew a friend who had ptsd but didn’t end so well x

[@williamharrison7797]

Respect

[@neilb2793]

We need a contract with those who serve and have served in the military. A legal, written contract underwritten by government to ensure these people are properly looked after. It is a blot on the country and a disgrace that it has been left to charity.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

You need balls to give a contract. Ask Blair

[@bigdave6591]

What do you think of Lawrence Rosenberg Rusty

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Who’s that?

[@jeremyramsay3593]

Any chance you could beef up the volume fella?

[@neilriordan4985]

if I wanted to volunteer to help which charity or org would you recommend I approach. I have huge experience with mental illness and have a dirty big dose of this rotten thing myself. I am now well enough to help others and would like to help veterans. I have had enough of criminals, malingerers and softcocks. I want to work with deserving people.

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Follow instinct as I did

[@neilriordan4985]

@@RustyFirminSASTV fair enough. I shall have go against my instinct a little though as it tells me for 90% of the time to stay away from people. The other 10% tells to do my job.

[@neilriordan4985]

you are however right. So I have contacted combat stress and offered to volunteer. thanks for the push, it made sense.

[@mikelane4896]

Rusty

[@galaxym30s6]

What are your thoughts on medical marijuana for PTSD treatment ?

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

If it works great, don’t know in and outs

[@chrisdavies73]

That's a good idea. Needs tests.

[@thug705]

Rusty I sent you an email regarding PTSD within the armed services as counsellor/psychotherapist who wants to help you guys that keep us safe while you go through so much s-t

[@johncox503]

Rusty dId you work with Eddie thanks

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

Which Eddie?

[@johncox503]

Eddie stone a watched alot of things with him and Mac done the real sas

[@johncox503]

Rusty the only person who is decent in that other show is the bold mark billie be MBE

[@ogyxfallvanlore8511]

Where can I get a mask?

[@RustyFirminSASTV]

I’m getting some sent to me. Wait out

[@acimbobby]

Heres a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJq9hqlrZq16mqM