Some of you may know Jason Fox from the tv series ‘Who Dare Wins.’ Don’t expect tales of derring do and scenes of combat, this book tells of his struggles toward the end of his career in special forces when he found himself suffering from complex PTSD. As I was reading I felt that his story and recovery had in some ways a parallel with our stroke recovery.
He does relate some of the combat he has experienced, but he admits that at times he relished the ‘highs’ that it gave him. Returning to ordinary duties unsettled him, and he began to undertake more duties to ease that addiction to it. This of course had an effect on his marriage, causing a divorce. This was more poignant when he describes his disabled daughter and his separation from her. Eventually his mental health was such that he ‘was out of control’; there were fights, ill discipline, even a short prison sentence, solace in alcohol began to play a large part.
He was offered perfunctory civilian mental health therapy. but this was totally unrealistic and he no longer took part. His eventual discharge from the military was a precursor to finding a civilian therapist, who after five years of work enabled him to start looking forward to the future and his present employment.
What he does offer are his coping techniques, positivity and always looking forward. This book is not a guide to just getting better, but to conquer the demons and work with them to overcome the bad times. He acknowledges that he still has PTSD and it does raise its ugly head, but now he can face it’. He has gone on to undertake charity challenges and is working with other organisations to help other service personnel in similar situations.
He ends the book talking to his therapist. ‘Are you happy?’ she asks.
He says it felt good to say yes.
Battle Scars. Jason Fox. 2018 Published by Penguin.
Best wishes Norma
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