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If anyone wants to get behind a military charity, can I suggest SSAFA? After the breakdown of my marriage due to PTSD, and having approached a GP for help and being told that I would have to go on a 6-12 month waiting list for initial assessment (a timeframe doubled by the GP then "forgetting" to do the referral - 6 months waiting for an appt that was not gonna arrive) I was found by my parents and brought back to Sussex. They asked H4H for help twice but I was never seen by them. In desperation, (as I was a total mess, been hospitalised twice with pancreatitis due to self medicating with Stella and vodka - been tee total since 2016 - and having had my father find me removing my tow rope form the boot of my car - ideal noose after all) they contacted SSAFA or the soldiers sailors air force association. They spoke to a SSAFA rep who interviewed me the following day, (he was ex parachute regt) he immediately realised I was a danger to myself and referred me to a clinical psychologist privately of which they paid the fees, the day after the referral was sent, (a sunday) the rep collected me from my parents house and drove me to see the psychologist at her own home. I was formally diagnosed with severe untreated PTSD and referred for immediate treatment. I started counselling on the Tuesday. It took a while, but I got there. I even returned to the ambulance service, something I couldn't have done prior to SSAFA's intervention. On the last day of my treatment, the counsellor told me that it was "the first day of the new life" I left, drove to Wales to collect my boys, returned to Sussex and took my boys to a local holiday park 15mins from my house (nothing too taxing - got an awesome carp lake!!) walked into the restaurant and got chatting to a very attractive blonde girl, (terrified she would tell me to get lost - but as a test of confidence it was pretty scary!) After 3yrs and 3 months together the same blonde and I will be getting married next year... There is light at the end of the tunnel. Seeing my son catch his first fish, teaching my other son how to ride a bike, my youngest son catching a PB 28lb+ mirror... A thousand little things that I could have missed had SSAFA not stepped in, along with family friends children and my partner, I thought I was pretty strong, being a blood splattered war fighting medic, but my reluctance to ask for help nearly cost me everything. The fight in getting better was tough, but screw it, don't let the bad uns win! I mean, miss this? No way!

Did a very cold,wet and blustery day session with a mate Saturday and managed this lovely 9lb fish........ coldest day we’ve had for a long time. Had a few mates send me a t shirt so had to strip off for the pics...... it was blooming freezing 😂😂😂

Time and fishing is a great healer,mate.

Lost my parents years ago... my Dad in 2011 & my Mum went a few years back on 31st Nov so we are coming up to the anniversary of her passing... its always a hard time, doesn't matter how tough you think you are, but the passing of a loved one is a hard thing to face up to.... especially Fathers.... as young lads we always think our Dads are tough, invincible, superheroes, who can shrug off anything and come back for more... it kinda stays with us, he fought cancer bravely and with dignity, until that fateful day.... When I lost my parents I was lucky, with a loving, supportive wife and family and a hobby I could immerse myself into, things were hard, but I got on with it and got through it relatively well... some don't fare so well... Yonny and Emmcee and Snowmanstevo, my deepest condolences... take care lads, if you need to talk just drop me a PM

I'm no expert, from personal experience it can be hard to relate, explain or burden, loved ones with your inner feelings. Yet a perfect stranger, that has no misgivings is a different matter & can be the desired tonic. I'm sure it wasn't personal stevo. Good for you ouchthathurt! Top man.

Yea mate,always.

I agree commonly i find it quite hard talking about my feelings to very close loved ones, but i find it much easier talking to somebody that doesnt know me. Please guys dont take it personnaly if people dont talk directly to you i know myself how hard it is sometimes I think as long as you can talk to somebody wether loved ones or strangers will certainly help. Gaz

Did a very cold,wet and blustery day session with a mate Saturday and managed this lovely 9lb fish........ coldest day we’ve had for a long time. Had a few mates send me a t shirt so had to strip off for the pics...... it was blooming freezing 😂😂😂

don't know what I like more the pike or the bacon and eggs haha nice fish pal

So sorry to hear of the losses some of you lads have had and the suffering some of the others have been through and are going through. It is really great you all feel ok to air your feelings and anxietys on here, it is not an easy thing to do it is really heart warming. Much respect to you all 👍 Gaz

Sorry to know about your losses guys. Hope the best for you and your family 🙏

Been a good read this . Reminds me of a funny story from a c.com social years ago . A fair bit of drink was involved , which ended up with Lewis forgetting to put his leads on when he cast out for the night ..... needless to say he wasn't on his spots when he reeled in late morning 😅

Spot on ..... I've had nothing but poo going on since coming back from France, hence not posting much . Thoughts & respect to all you guys . Keep on keeping on .

Thanks mate,I tried him with councillors and doctors but he seen opening up as a sign of weakness,so he kept it all in. 😕

That was my brothers downfall....... he just wouldn’t open up about his mental problems to anybody and the more I tried to talk to him about his state of mind the further away he would be ..... it was one step forward two steps back with my bro,unfortunately. Well done on turning your life around,mate. 😬😎