Neil called Jason Brady at the start of 2013 regarding a PTSD compensation claim.
He gave Jason a detailed statement of what had happened over the years and is now in the process of a PTSD compensation claim. This is what Neil had to say about his experience with PTSD and Blackwater Law.
Hello, my name is Neil, I am 32 years old and I am a PTSD sufferer. There, I’ve said it.
I would have told you this years’ ago but I feel that my condition has not been taken seriously until now.
I was posted to Afghanistan, Helmand Province in 2007/2008, and was in active service there for seven months. It wasn’t until six months after returning that I started to get flashbacks. Ironically, it was the fireworks going off on November 5th that kicked it all off.
I started suffering with nightmares, anxiety and sleeplessness. These symptoms developed into major depression. I found myself avoiding crowded places and losing my temper quickly. It may sound strange but I didn’t realise what was happening to me. To make matters worse, my relationship with my girlfriend then broke down. Suddenly, I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t cope.
I was finally diagnosed in November 2011 and by this point I was very ill. My ex- girlfriend kept a diary of what she saw me going through, which included self-harming. It was because of her tenacity that I eventually got the diagnosis.
For years I had felt that no one wanted to help me, or even cared.
I feel that my condition has not been taken seriously and I would urge anyone else suffering to come forward. Initially it was hard to make that phonecall and relay the background of what I had gone through, but I felt reassured that someone was looking after this and finally helping me.
For me, this isn’t about what I can get out of the Armed Forces, this is about justice, and a recognition of PTSD. There are so many people out there like me and if you are one of them I would urge you to come forward and call Jason Brady at Blackwater Law on 0800 083 5500. He has the experience to help and supports our cause- he knows what he’s doing and he’s on our side.
