Fight or flight: the veterans at war with PTSD

[@alonshep]

I am inflicted with heavy PTSD from the YoM Kippur war 1973 Istrael. I am so inspired to watch this that I have decided to set up my own veteran club here in my home town. Thank you Andy.

[@Monjikimchi]

Thank you for your service ❤️

[@davisworth5114]

@@wtsy1117 no soldiers no freedom, you are passive aggressive and need help.

[@Antonio-wc1db]

w sty shut up

[@Gonken88]

The irony is, no Israel, no wars. Like, at all.

[@_winter_maryrose4684]

I know someone already said this, but Thank You for Your Service 💙✡️

[@acr7780]

Not enough focus on this in the media

[@yea9725]

there never will be 4 years later and most people with ptsd will just end up isolating themselves even more and could do something dangerous due to not receiving any help

[@lindsaylele]

My husband has combat PTSD and a TBI from an IED in Iraq. These videos are so helpful for me and others to better understand what they’re going through. Sometimes he wants to talk about it and sometimes he doesn’t, but every single night he nightmares enough to wake me up. We’re still in the middle of working through this, but I’m hopeful. I wish all veterans would not feel weird to ask for help. Everyone needs help, but combat vets really need it because seeing that level of evil is not normal. I’m thankful everyday for my freedoms and the men and women who were brave enough to do what I couldn’t.

[@jewmanfalloutvegas]

You people are backwards and started it

[@jewmanfalloutvegas]

We should have just dropped a bomb would have been easier

[@jointlucas8187]

@@jewmanfalloutvegas what are you on about

[@Monjikimchi]

Thank you for your husband’s service ❤️

[@mahalko5820]

Same here I have combat ptsd, if you ask me why Im not telling my wife my problems with my ptsd and tbi you know why? I lost custody of my kids on my first wife because of ptsd, she told the court I have ptsd. Now people to expect to open up. I love my kids

[@tommy6156]

Fair play to The Guardian for giving this the exposure it deserves

[@ug674]

This really touched my heart seeing the stories of lost veterans finding there way back home to live a normal life again. Thank you for the post. This really spoke to me and was incredibly inspiring.

[@max05003]

In the previous vet and ptsd video I asked for more vet vids and more is what I got. Never been in a war zone, but these videos tell a lot about life. Thank you Guardian.

[@brucekrom3298]

It’s unbearable. I haven’t slept in 5 days. Non stop paranoia & all this pain makes you want to give up on this crazy brutal life. Stay strong. Cheated death 6 times.

[@gigi_945]

How are you

[@narsingh4949]

@Zarema M A What soldiers do is not evil. Its war. Its doing one's duty. War may not be the solution but once you go to war you must do your duty i.e. to protect your people.

[@yankeenobonagu6411]

like dodged a bullet cheating death or uhm .... the time machine ?

[@Joaking91]

Maybe don't commit imperialism in your next life?

[@jackhoffmanhoffman35]

@@narsingh4949 evil wars

[@griffonsa]

Had PTSD for 10 years now. No drug, therapist has ever helped me... The only thing that ever helped me, was someone who loved and understood me. When there was an argument however, it was thrown in my face that I was impossible to live with… Each day is a struggle…. Much harder battle than what I been through on the field....

[@charleneclark1817]

My bf got it he served in the gulf war. He's waiting for his therapy but covid-19 has delayed it. I stand by him because I love him

[@Joaking91]

Cry me a river, invader

[@bossbonita1235]

Very sorry to hear your struggle- I hope you continue to live with peace 🙏🏼

[@kenteno822]

I denied my PTSD for 53 yrs. Getting help now, but thinking and describing in detail only makes past come to present making it much worse...

[@bossbonita1235]

@@kenteno822 So sorry for you 🙏🏼 I truly hope you get better and proper help🙏🏼💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rockbay79]

I'm a U.S. Combat Veteran and I think this is a wonderful Veteran's Center!!!!! A place to gather, have a cup of coffee, a bit of cake or pie, and talk with fellow Veterans. This type of interaction is a very positive thing. Great job guys!!!!!

[@emeraldmiguel3696]

Wow,,,nice i hope it would come true ☺️🙂🙂🙂

[@Dorf274]

I have PTSD from my childhood. I can't imagine what it must be like to experience that vivid and uncontrollable "pull" into a memory that isn't just slamming doors and angry fists, but watching your brothers die around you or the act of killing another human being.

[@gr0wler147]

Thanks Guardian for elevating this issue. We encourage GOOD men to STEP UP taking advantage, and yet dump them. No wonder there’s a shortage of soldiers. as a former reservist I never went to war but it’s clear their war is larger on their return home. I’m more than willing to serve and fight for our veterans

[@marko196912]

what lovely guys ,brave men like this should be looked after,

[@PerfectoM]

This is very interesting to think that this veteran is going through the same thing I was when I got out in 2007. I am an Iraq War Veteran and seen my fair share of combat. I have also struggled with thoughts of suicide, PTSD, TBI, etc. Post war. The fortunate thing here in the states is we have places to go for support groups like the Vet Centers and other organizations. I am glad that they have support groups there to help those veterans out. In my experience talking helps process through it. Also, it helps you understand what is your triggers and ways to calm yourself after the fact. Talking to other veterans really helps but I am to the point in my life where I can share my experience with other people too. But what really helped me was the fact that there are other veterans who are going through what I am going through and they need help as well. It was the act of helping these veterans and helping each get through PTSD, TBI, etc. really helped me out mentally. Its the comradely when your with other veterans, family and people who care. But I will say it was not an easy tasked to get to where I am today and it is still a battle at times but I am stronger now that I was before, with the help of all these people and our collected efforts. Good luck my friend and speedy recovery. At the very least being able to cope.

[@mahalko5820]

Same here brother! I feel every word you've said. Iraq war vet here also.

[@PerfectoM]

@ambii vert Agreed!

[@lingp6996]

@@mahalko5820 I appreciate your kind words. Stay safe.

[@maxinehussy1297]

There are war veterans I know of in their 80s that break down and cry when speaking of war story's. One elderly man said he can't even bare to watch anything with war on the TV as it is too painful. He still has bad dreams decades later...!!

[@miriams76]

My grandfather was suicidal after fighting the Japanese and part of occupation forces for three years. What affected him most was the graft culture. He felt that basically he fought for the same people who supplied and armed the Japanese up to the hilt in the first place.

[@londonislite]

Touching piece. Good luck to him and others going through such trauma, this is a brilliant initiative. Good job Guardian too - video docs have been great recently

[@charleneclark6704]

I was with an ex soldier sadly I had to walk away he kept drinking I could not cope with his lies. I felt terrible but I had to put myself and my daughter first regarding happiness. Most hardest part is I supported him regarding his PTSD but I still love him

[@SeanNorman-pd2hd]

im an Aussie veteran infantry,went too Somalia,,in 1993,luv this video thankyou

[@ishtiaqanik]

I suffer from ptsd for 3 years .. sadly most people dont realise it is almost like fighting an war everyday to survive

[@squarepeg4435]

Bless these men & women. It’s criminal what they’re forced to endure. What a big heart Andy has.

[@Tombombadillo999]

God bless them

[@YasselAlvarez33157]

It took me 10yrs post war to finally start seeing progress with ptsd.

[@sferna]

At what point you consider being a brony?

[@billycathcart1382]

I have came across this while trying to understand my own condition. As I write this am in a mental health unit, ended up here as I hide things for years. I served 2007 Iraq and it has taken me that long to come forward for my wife and kids. Those guys in the video are a real inspiration and if I can i hope in the future I could in some way help other veterans that don't have that support group of family and friends that I do. QUIS SEPARABIT 👍

[@scottdickson9224]

Kandahar 2010. I feel you, man. I hope you find your peace. Brother from across the pond.

[@iicii77]

Hopefully you both won't find it. Because your American government and you as soliders have created so much suffering in the middle east.

[@Francisco-b3n3q]

​The middleast was always conflict. ​@@iicii77

[@allenthebigfellastokesakat690]

I'm a former French foreign legionnaire and war veteran who is struggling with ptsd but also trauma as a child i talk about mine on my channel but poetry helps I'm a published poet I write ptsd poetry and true life poetry

[@Venom-mf7io]

Quel regiment ?

[@HALOasmr108]

👍🏻

[@MrDilandy]

its one thing watching war scenes on tv or in the movies , its another thing to actually experience it and all it brings..it took me nearly ten years to mentally get back to normal after the tour in Fallujah in 2004.. only those who felt it really knows it

[@rickycinaz]

Combat veteran here who helped save 22 lives and retrieve 1 KIA, ptsd is very real and it’s something I have to deal with every day. It feels like death is following me every day and waiting for me to die.

[@HALOasmr108]

☀️

[@leewhalley6161]

Thank you so much for your service. To all those who have served. I promise one day to do all I can to help service men and women with PTSD currently training to be a mental health counsellor

[@SKINDIVER523]

This is amazing. Glad to see veterans helping veterans like this. ❤

[@DianaKazimiera-]

Absolutely yes... great respect 🕊️

[@andrewfowler5845]

Couldn't even begin to imagine how that must feel.

[@MrSirRantalot]

Sending love to you Andy. I am rooting for you. From another veteran x

[@billibongojutsu]

Love you Guys ... i,m so Proud of you !!... British Army Vet living in Germany ...

[@boataxe4605]

I hate the term ‘Post traumatic stress disorder ‘, It implies that if killing people bothers you then you are not normal, you have a disorder. Of course killing people should bother you, the people who it doesn’t bother are the ones with a disorder.

[@bodyno3158]

By my experience……killing people, even killing any lives, can easily bother a normal person, it depends, everyone is diffrent, maybe some cold-assed dude were born a killing machine, but many of us aren't. And many of those who aren't went to the war voluntary or involuntary……here the problem starts.

[@kuso7558]

@@boataxe4605 here is the thing most normal people dont have it because they werent born during war

[@irla2543]

So true

[@boataxe4605]

Frank De Ruiter Neither does Trump or Bush #2. The last two presidents who actually went to war were Carter and Bush #1.

[@ollyrobinpoop7810]

some people call it PTS

[@dmskier]

If any Brits needs to reach out drop me a message. US army combat vet here. Brothers in arms!

[@MH-bo8th]

Isnt the main thing to have someone to listen?

[@dmskier]

M H it’s different when you talk to another veteran. Most combat vets won’t talk to anyone that hasn’t experienced combat.

[@nadia_1237]

@@dmskier agreed

[@exrfn]

@@dmskier So true bro......

[@oldgrunger5]

@@exrfn can you help me help my friend ? Or anyone on here I may be half my friends age And never experienced what he did in the Falklands but he's my friend and not giving up on him

[@Brandon-ch2ot]

Toughest battles are always given to the toughest soldiers

[@simoncampbell4933]

Thankyou this was very helpful. I've had ongoing PTSD since 2004. I've been through nearly all the same things described here that Andy went through and its ruined my life. Fortunately there is the TILS service available in Sussex and Combat stress as well as the RBL have helped me.

[@BrotherYusuf]

Tils told me I had slept off ptsd and o deserve everything I had etc this after being diagnosed by a professional doctor with ptsd how can someone sleep off ptsd

[@MC14may]

I supposedly suffered PTSD post-Iraq 2004 however in hindsight I did what all other soldiers did and that's drink to excess. Yes you do climb into a dark hole at the bottom of a bottle and it gets worse once your thrown on the scrap heap and shown the door. To me the first year adjusting to civilian life was hard. Just finding a job. I always treated the army as just a job and my life never centred around it. It's been 12yrs since I left and I dont miss it one bit just bitter the the MOD and so-called 'family' regiment hung me and others out to dry because of ambulance-chasing lawyers and an inquiry. I dont associate with ex-soldiers,dont do reunions and to me it was a past life a long time ago and my future is forward.

[@charleneclark1817]

Why you think alot of ex soldier's go on to drink?

[@MelandChris7477]

​@charleneclark1817 because there is a drinking culture already within the forces. I did 22 years, see the thing is we get drug tested randomly all the time and we don't hang with civilians so it's hard to access other drugs, Alcohol is readily accessible and can be bought on Army bases

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Amazing work by Andy and his team: True Leadership!

[@kate-miawhite5633]

would be great if there were Veterans Hubs all over the uk

[@johncaldwell2265]

From your fellow brothers in arms across the pond, we love and support you all. Semper Fi

[@henrydarren6654]

Anyone going through a heartbreak or anything that's tearing you apart. Don't worry. Take it day by day. Keep on moving. You got this! The world is your oyster, and you're the pearl.

[@Lobos222]

Nice words, but still just words. I rather pay my taxes, vote and push for social programs that actually help these fellow citizens.

[@iicii77]

@@Lobos222 too much wars means bankruptcy, you Americans deserve that.

[@eliparrish9145]

I've gone from flight to freeze. It's 1000x easier to deal with but I couldn't tell you how I got here.

[@avishill8613]

Respect to you all and thank you for your service.

[@Nicole_blue0406]

People don’t realize that wars never really end they just carry it home inside their heads. And sometimes they still die from it 🥺

[@Lobos222]

No, reality is not Hollywood. Most people do not actually get PTSD despite being to war. The issue is that those few that does, still need proper treatment, but acting like everyone going to war or have shot people get PTSD is not helping. It is not true!

[@cjwill9920]

Its not a disorder its a normal response to abnormal situations

[@extendocats8533]

yeah, as if persistent fear, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, persistent inability to experience positive emotions, intense or prolonged psychological distress to things that remind them of the event that caused their PTSD, flashbacks and aggresive behavior is just a normal response.

[@jenniferfree1847]

@@extendocats8533 its a disorder. A horrible one.

[@kp6405]

I am struggle every day!

[@darrenwhitford6482]

same

[@PJ-kg2pw]

Real life heros deserve better

[@charleneclark1817]

Look after yourself x

[@0ptions90]

You wanna see us Aussie vets fighting the same fight. We have 300,000 signatures for a royal commission into veteran suicide that our PM has just dismissed.

[@Tia-Marie]

One day, I hope to reunite with brothers and sisters in arms from the allied forces I met during my enlistment. I'm a better person for meeting them and having the chance to serve a "terrible purpose" together. Stay alive. I've been off my meds since December 2017, my enlistment ended up 2004.

[@DotSight]

Is t “Fight or Flight “ a normal reaction for humans and animals alike? A decision made in certain circumstances with many factors influencing the split second reaction to the pressure. I found in my service that i had to control 2 time periods to not go from pressure to stress, firstly the anticipation prior to a certain contact and post ops the overwhelming thoughts of what could have happened and the dread of doing it again. Having said that, if you are surrounded with a great team you can effectively keep busy , focused and take your mind of it....until the next certain op and contact and go through the cycle again. I am thankful that i have no mental or physical scars as a result of my service and wish him well.

[@rocketlover59]

guys I'm a vet. myself I didn't go to war but if u ever feel overwhelmed im available to talk or just listen .

[@rocketlover59]

u see my name on the comment hit me up on fb

[@captainrex45]

The saddest part about PTSD is that people think only military veterans can have PTSD. I've never served and have PTSD, there's all these groups for veterans with PTSD but nothing for regular people with PTSD...

[@rcut420]

“They had 100 years to get this right.” Man

[@asafeibba4420]

War is such a small word but imagine the magnitude of that and how it destroys lives and other things completely. Prayers to all. 🙏

[@matthewsteenbergen8904]

Even Veterans who don't Deploy Still Need Help and Support. Definitely

[@minervagalvez4748]

I LOVE YOU ALL❤❤❤ THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY WITH THE WORLD🌎🌍🌏 THANK YOU FOR BEING STRONG🙏🙏🙏

[@zackjones800]

Stay strong guys and thank you for your service

[@Shrasha]

Coalville/Whitwick British Legion does a lot for veterans. There is a pub in Coalville - The Snibstone. So welcoming. The things the RBL and the ‘Snibby’ does for vets is incredible. Shout out to everyone helping our vets.

[@mariasolano8047]

this is an amazing video and it has help me write my research paper. thank you for sharing your stories and fellow others and continue to work towards helping other veterans that needed support.

[@empireStyle]

I "was" a happy go lucky young man. Then I spent 13 months in iraq... I came back super fucked up in my head. I lost my bros and I did things that i can't come to terms with.

[@sonic-factory]

Such heroes. These guys and girls put their lives on the line to defend us and make the world a better place.

[@mstrwul1]

200mg sertraline works for me. I also take propanalol when I feel anxious or when I can't sleep. Counselling is the best way to get things off your chest. Don't fight alone and stay away from alcohol. You will get better, I did.

[@deedee4531]

What about non veterans with PTSD .you suffer with the same condition as me . anxious energy hyper vigilance night terrors sweats lack of sleep

[@luciousmil3976]

Get psychedelic caps and product it helps.

[@luciousmil3976]

*Mycodre*

[@luciousmil3976]

On Instagram¿

[@TheMaliciousMe]

It's been three years. Is it any better?

[@alanday5255]

In the USA, According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20 out of every 100 veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder - a number that is both overwhelming and, unfortunately, not always acknowledged to the degree that it should be. An sadly the VA is awful at treating PTSD.

[@darthvader5532]

I recommend to all soldiers with PTSD, get a dog. Seriously. I met some guys that got back from the middle east who were severely damaged psychologically and they were helped greatly by getting a dog. It doesn't necessarily have to be a service dog just a living breathing loving dog. No one at home can understand what you went through, and you need someone who can just be with you without judgment. Get a dog.

[@iicii77]

They were murderers and deserve to suffer since they've created so much suffering for innocent people in the middle east. Your dogs if they could speak they would spit at your faces for waging wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

[@universe4623]

I salute all this brave men!!!!! You are inspiration. It will all pay off. Praying for you all.

[@RadBadBoys]

I just realized I have PTSD from my childhood.

[@ian9813]

bless our veterans, bless our heroes who suffered in silence to pay for our freedom

[@DianaKazimiera-]

Bless...Great respect 🕊️

[@importantname]

The people who vote to send troops to war are responsible. Make sure the war is absolutely essential for the safety of the nation, because if it isnt you are destroying lives un-necessarily.

[@TheChosennn]

This is a brave guy

[@Marco-en3jl]

Shame on our MOD; when are they going to start paying respect & helping our veterans! On top of letting these brave men out in the cold; they are the only Nato country refusing to compensate the boys who they exposed to radiation back in 1957 & 1958; prefering to wait till they´re all dead; which soon they will be. Shame, shame, shame on the MOD!

[@lucyferlu4060]

I’m So proud of you mate ❤️ You’re amazing don’t ever forget it!

[@oasis4life014]

Hero's not doubt about it... Thank you ❤️❤️

[@davewordingham9117]

I could no more meet up with other Vets than I could fly to the moon. I am not a hero but I was proud to serve. I have disconnected myself completely from the Military nowadays. I know that talking about things does help but Civilian Life does not lend itself to doing that and I have no intention on sharing my feelings with total strangers. Far better for me to Shut up and deal with it rather than talk about it. I know there will be a lot of people who will disagree with me but I just thought I'd add my bit.

[@patriciadobie1468]

I no my self how thing are my self a veteran I have PTSD for many years in and out of army the army told me I would get help that never happened m self royal green jacket .for 18yrs you for get were you come from it hard to adapt in my years in you are family but it is different when you come out .keep your spirit up swift bold lie he's easy you are rifleman no body can take that away from you .

[@kenteno822]

How many people with PTSD have been cured or got over it ? I think none.

[@Lobos222]

Wrong, most soldiers do not get PTSD. It is actually a minority and allot of those that get, with proper treatment, do actually learn to deal with or get borderline cured, outside the aspects that has shaped their personality, like military life and so on. I am exMil myself btw.

[@Swiss-Freedom]

just look at the model of the foreign legion. Every legionnaire, after his time can stay and work on the estate, and live together with others. Thats a full circle

[@Rdn0483]

Fantastic work! (another PTSD survivor)

[@steverobson8827]

Andy...love you. Don't disappoint. What was your passion What is your passion. Let's get through this together.

[@gr0wler147]

Can you please feature the link to Andy’s support group?

[@zayb9504]

Price, a real Price

[@rohanisahguro6472]

“Knowing what you know now, would you have signed up in the first place?” ‘No. And it makes me laugh…their adverts that they’ve got out about “This Is Belonging.” My family gave me support but a lot of people don’t have that.’

[@MelandChris7477]

Heck yes, wouldn't change one thing, yes there a some horrible violent and scary scenes and experiences in a war zone but not many people talk about the humanitarian missions and jobs we conduct also in war zones, those experiences is why I wouldn't change a thing

[@MrAlucard1964]

We are on the same daily dose! Brothers in Arms is a Global Thing not just here in the U.S. Thank you for making this video.

[@steverobson8827]

Andy ....with clasp...is the honor my father asked me to pay attention to. Count down 5 to 1 separate the thoughts you did not want. Dad was 22ndSAS.

[@davidturnbole4395]

I made a conscious decision that the Vietcong didn't get me, I'm not gonna do what they failed to.

[@mistywater7700]

I came home 2009 to I was in Q West

[@petehumphries3359]

Wake up parliament!!!

[@Christian-iq6dv]

It be like that sometimes

[@lucid5308]

I've been in a war.

[@yoliannem.echandy3741]

Thanks 🙏 welcome 🙏

[@thomasfatty8776]

as a vet in kosovo , my personal saying .... we should go back to the "good old times" send the KING and its tableround with us , guess i could not write this stoopid comment!

[@queenofpeaceandlove1413]

Thank you.

[@danielfennessy]

First gent: yup

[@bconigliaro]

How many veterans of the Grenada War suffer from PTSD?

[@Marcusdwayne639]

Everyone that has been through trauma by life threatening situations all have the same look in there eyes that startled look within the hidden pain only people that has been through life and death situations will understand this.

[@knucklesamidge]

Poor guy

[@WeLoveMusicStudio]

Thank you

[@jj-bu6yb]

You a hero sir! You got this

[@MidnightBlue1913]

Thank God for their service to their country and to each other. Thank You!

[@exrfn]

@my7571 REALĹLLLLYYYYYYY....EXPLAIN YOURSELF.....

[@extendocats8533]

@my7571 wait so EVERY troop killed civilians? Just because a few of them might of killed civilians doesn't mean that all or even most of them did.

[@josephdecasanove9130]

Hi Andy I think your story is FantasticAnd I love the hub you set up I have been trying to set up VDC company for years now Beyond 10 years I don't know what funds we really have i dont of deal with that Part of the businessTo setting this up right around the countryI hope I've been successful after help youAnd you can take on the challenge Regards Joseph

[@charleneclark1817]

I always wondered how he is now