“War correspondents” I mistakenly thought, were hand-picked for their skills set, fitness, mental toughness, awareness, and clean living. But no, what I found instead were individuals with many issues ranging from drug and alcohol problems to PTSD episodes to fundamental fitness concerns… the list goes on.
The eX-military Factor
I am the son of a soldier, I have a very high regard for the British Army, which in my opinion has been the best in the world since the days of Oliver Cromwell, who created the first People’s Army. Even in the days of conscription, the British Army and its personnel acquitted themselves with distinction in Malaya and Korea. In very difficult circumstances (isn’t all conflict difficult?) they continue to do the bidding of this nation’s rulers across the world in a way that is reflective of the society from which they have come.
Mental Illness and Addiction: Why Should You Care?
Serious mental illnesses (SMI) include such diagnoses as Schizophrenia, Paranoia with psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Tactical Vs Tacticool
The ‘tactical culture’ had flourished over the last few years, mainly due to the proliferation of video cameras and increasing engagement with social media platforms, which I believe is causing the lines between reality and the ‘tacticool’ entertainment world to become very, very blurred…
It takes very little these days to be a part of the tactical sub-culture that is trending, here’s how to do it. Simply, purchase a gun, where legal, get your hands on some tactical clothing, buy a bunch of ‘black op’ accessories, plug into ‘Soldier of Fortune’ social-media channels and perhaps even take some no-fail tactical training courses, then after a few months, hey presto, you’re an expert! Whereas, in the good old days, the only option, if you wanted this lifestyle, was to join the military – preferably the Infantry!
Assignments Over. Now What?
So you got the tap for the assignment and a spot on the detail? You are good to go for the next several days, weeks, or possibly even months. It’s constant work.
Fit for Purpose, But where to start?
Developing a morning practice is crucial for starting your day with a good intention and some semblance of control in an ever-demanding world; but what should it consist of and how do you implement it?
The Silent Sniper, PTSD & The Battlefield
You might be forgiven for thinking that a life on the frontline is exciting, even glamorous. And on occasion, it is. But for the most part, my job is nothing of the sort. It’s dangerous, it’s far from well paid, and it’s stressful. And I mean, stressful. Nothing focuses the mind more than the sight and sound of a guerrilla army and its arsenal of fully-automatic weapons. And nothing destroys the mind more than the sight of women, children and innocent civilians lying dead or dying at one’s feet.
Stress and Self Care
Research by the American Psychological Association indicates that as many as 75-80 percent of Americans self-report their stress to be at moderate to high levels. Stress can come in many forms, and sometimes we may not even notice or seem bothered by it. So what constitutes stress? The normal daily routine of work or home responsibilities can cause stress, as can experiencing a sudden major life-altering event, such as losing a job, dealing with sudden loss, or a prolonged illness.
A Medics Experience
Over the years, with the added involvement of oil and gas companies, alongside government contracts, the role of the medic has evolved from working as a ‘team medic’ into a ‘Tier 2’ medic who carries a comprehensive medical kit & medications, and is able to function as a lone medic often in remote locations. These changes have caused multiple shifts in the industry standard and requirements to become a Tier 2 Medic. This should be a good thing but it also comes with pitfalls.
The perils of looking after other people
Close protection operative has similar motivating forces to the psychotherapist. We are all in the helping professions, making people feel safer and calmer at difficult times in their lives. It’s a satisfying job that usually makes us feel good about ourselves and our abilities to help.
First aid for a psychological injury
If you work in an environment where people are likely to get physically injured, then it stands to reason you would want people available with the skills to help.
Pink & fluffy? Not at all!
We all have this incredibly sophisticated system and a brain that is constantly being shaped by our experiences. Everyone is unique in their background, skills, experience and beliefs so it’s impossible to get bored when you’re working with people.
Why has this affected me so much?
Treatment for PTSD, the person recognizes which factors played a part in their particular event and this can be very empowering. They can replace their own feelings of shame or weakness with an understanding of the complexities of what happened and this usually helps in their recovery.
Leave no man behind?
“Ultimately, I need to know that whoever I’m working with, if the shit hits the fan and I’m in a situation, that my colleagues are going to be there to watch my back”. The ethos of “Leave no man behind” is a mainstay across Armed Forces and equally relevant to professionals in Close & Executive Protection. If a colleague was injured out in the field, would you turn your back and walk away?
Advice and Treatment for PTSD
For people suffering psychological trauma, often the hardest part is overcoming the fear of accessing help. Even though it has been shown that there are effective treatments, even for PTSD, the ‘pink and fluffy counsellor’ or the drug-dispensing medical “shrink” stereotypes will prevent many people from ever getting advice and treatment for PTSD.
What Doesn’t Kill You…
Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) describes the range of positive changes experienced by people as a result of their struggle with a severe life challenge or a traumatic event.
Relax
Relax I have been participating in quite a few discussions lately about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the topic has come up in so many different circles that I thought that I should write a brief piece on it. I have been discussing this with Combat Veterans, Police Officers, Aid Workers and Journalists. I […]