Archive Page 1

Problems with your guest book/website?
From: Patrick Graham - via Mike Wyness
Email: patrick.costar@ntlbusiness.com
Date: 20/06/2003
Comments:

I have a really good local web expert who did mine for free and he may be able to help you if your GB isn't working properly, www.costar-cwmbran.co.uk is where he did my site. I've emailed him to alert to this possibility, if he has the inclination and time I'll get back to you - unless you email to say that this is not a good idea.

Documentary. By: Edge of Focus Films.
From: David Bennett
Date: 19/06/2003
Comments:

Lou Hamilton and Paul Lang are making a DOCUMENTARY about the effects of PTSD on returning servicemen and women and their families. Many Falklands and Gulf 1 veterans have been interviewed together with family members. Paul and Lou now seek any input from young personnel having served in the Iraq Campaign 2003. This documentary will be totally factual, up front and you will be listened to. Interview in silhoutte is acceptable, should you feel uneasy. Both the above are genuine documentary makers and only want to put over what it has been like for returning personnel and family members. The veterans' experiences will be interwoven with Expert interviews examining the history, science and political context, through three parts of the documentary. 1. The Trauma 2. The Aftermath 3. The Future If you are able to state how you felt, if diagnosed with PTSD, (Or suspect you have it and are being ignored). How you were treated and HOW YOUR FAMILY were treated. If you served in the recent IRAQ conflict please get in touch with the above especially if you are under 21, as the documentary makers are more than pleased to discuss any of the issues with you, and the effects you went through. The more we investigate and understand the effects from those who have been there, seen it and worn the "T" shirt we are likely to minimise the distressing effects on colleagues and family alike who are called to do it again. Contact details initially for Paul and Lou:- Director/Producer: Lou Hamilton Cameraman/Producer: Paul Lang Email address:- edge_of_focus@dial.pipex.com I thank you all in anticipation should you assist in this very worth while cause. David Bennett.

From: Mike Wyness
Email: m.wyness@btopenworld.com
Comments:

Hi David + Anne, I guess you know me by now, just like to thank you for your HUMANITY, which is clear to see and unusually very clear in your speech. I could rabbit on forever,but just cannot find the words to simply say, THANK YOU. Regards to all who are lucky enough to meet you. Mike

Useful info about PTSD, Great 999 Book.
From: Jeff Fellows.
Date: 17/06/2003
Comments:

Useful details on PTSD. Have downloaded some chapters of the Book Trauma 999 Emergency. I can associate to many of the incidents Dave, having been an EMS Officer over many years. Your descriptions are very accurate, I also commend you Dave for your accuracy and great eye for detail. The Underground incident where you assisted that lad who lost both legs and arms, I was also present and as an Ambulance Technician (before Paramedics) were introduced, have never forgotten your compassion towards him. Sadly, he passed away en-route to Bart's. I will phone you now I have your details, as other colleagues from the other services wish to get together for a reunion. The old gang Dave who visited the Pillbox Pub over (Westminster Bridge) after duties, Happy memories old son. Jeff Fellows.

From: Fall Gut
Date: 17/06/2003
Comments:

Good site

Electro Convulsive Therapy.
From: Sandy
Email: sandberet@hotmail.com
Date: 17/06/2003
Comments:

Dave, I am a Veteran myself. Served with the finest guys and girls in the world. I returned to UK, and knew something was wrong with me, what exactly I did not know. I was conscious I had changed and naturally each of us does after conflict situations. My mind used to wander, I could not concentrate, and I started to have mood swings which moved faster than a clock pendulum. This was not funny after a few months when my devoted wife felt she had to tell me these changes were becoming so noticeable. My "oppos" in the regiment started to become concenrned, so I started to seek some advice and help. It was like meeting a brick wall. If I were a tank in the REME the MT section would find a spare and have it repaired asap. Unfortunately, for me I was a human being, and felt used as a robot by now. I was also treated like one. In the end being a thoroughly trained 'professional' I did the honourable thing, that was not to be a danger to myself, more importantly to my trusted and faithful mates whilst on operations. Reluctantly, I had to left the service. I saw my new GP, a great understanding and honest guy. I liked and trusted him he fired from the hip. He tried every avenue possible to get me some help. I was told I would have to wait between 12 and 18 months. Even the Services charities advised me a waiting list for R&R in one of their Centres would be approximately 9 - 12 months. Having read one of your entries on the site you hit the nail on the head, especially the article you wrote for the lads on the SAMA site, about it being outrageous that time to wait. But what are we Vet's supposed to do Dave, if we try and push for the treatment we are entitled to and become forceful, we are branded 'bad' people, and the medical profession become frightened of us. We then get a bad name and become stigmatised and have a label attached to us. This label means we are frightened of these people. I thought Psychologists and so called Psychiatrists were there to help and assist ALL, never mind if they have a problem. Do you know some of the Services Treatment Centres don't even accept their own military personnel if they have a behavioural problem. For God's sake this surely is part of the illness termed PTSD. At least you realise it and state it. If I had private insurance and wished to enter a Private Clinic, again some of my mates have had the same treatment if they have been in trouble these Clinics don't wan't to know us. So where do we go now? Why should my wife and children have to suffer also. I nearly gave my life for this Country on so many occasions in the past, not even my wife, children, and family knew where I was or what I was doing. Perhaps now I can see a way forward Dave. I know you will go "Ape" what I say next, but I truly mean it. You must accept praise sometimes Dave, you have been there for us, now let the people you have helped be there for you, I am definately. My GP contacted Dave, with me in the Surgery and asked if he would assist me, even though he knew his Trust was wobbling about funding me. Without hesitation when Dave heard I was Ex. Military and Falklands, I heard his reply on the end of the phone. Thanks Dave for that response, thanks for your kindness and thanks from my wife and two kiddies who thank you for bringing them back their DADDY. I am sorry to waffle on, but I had to thank you Dave. After going without help for so long, I know if I had thanked you face to face I would have just broken down and cried. I did not want to do that, when I got home and the two littleuns ran up and cuddled me saying those words, I LOVE YOU I kept my tears for them. I would like to think tears of Joy not pain any more. You are more than a Specialist now to me, YOU ARE A MATE and a SOUL MENDER. Please don't ever give it up Dave you are a People person and your warmth comes across like a fire. Sandy. (Have the strength but no guile anymore)

Your Travelling Clinics!
From: Nick
Email: nick2003@yahoo.com
Date: 20/05/2003
Comments:

It was good to see you in my area doing your clinic David - but you didn't half look tired. As good as you are providing this service, and excellent the number of people you see in a day, it can't be that good for your health. I counted at least 15 people waiting to see you when I came by and that was just the afternoon session - I spoke to a couple who said that they had driven 80 miles to come to the clinic. I am glad they came to you, but have to say that it is a shame that they have to travel such a distance to get this help. It is obvious to me and everyone who meets you how dedicated you are - and rather surprising that you haven't been charging for some of your good work - there are a great number of charlatans and psychiatrists out there who charge a great deal of money, with not one tenth of the skill or experience to give. Perhaps my old friend, you should be charging too!! Your ex-forces colleagues hold you in great esteem - and rightly so. Good luck for the future, mate, you deserve it.

Tortured or a Hostage Survivor?
From: David
Email: ests@trauma999.co.uk
Date: 16/05/2003
Comments:

Are you a Survivor of Torture? Are you a Hostage Survivor? If you feel able to discuss your situation, and that sharing what happened to you may help. Please make contact with the Centre, each individual account of how you were treated and came to terms with the event, may assist others having a hard time at present. It is by sharing experiences all can get inspiration from each other. More importantly learning from those having been there, seen it and worn the T shirt. NOT FROM ARMCHAIR COUNSELLING. If you wish to discuss a matter privately and in confidence, please contact David Bennett, our Director. Yours sincerely, Mary (Trauma Specialist)

From: John Jillings (Staffs / West Mids) Debriefer.
Date: 10/04/2003
Comments:

TELEPHONE NUMBER for John Jillings, West Midlands Debriefer. Contactable on: 01543 276764 not previous number.

From: David Bennett RE: PTSD (article 55)
Date: 31/03/2003
Comments:

Charles I have communicated via a personal email message to you. I publicly acknowledge your entry. Thanks for your comments. I have no doubt whatsoever what you say will be re-iterated by many others, in fact I know so. I am disturbed however, at the treatment you received from a "Therapist". Was this Therapist trained in dealing with Traumatic Stress? That is why the Trauma Centre (Wales) staff are all highly qualified (and vetted) Specialists in Trauma. Many of my Ex. Services colleagues relate similar experiences as you sadly have encountered. I am maintaining a record of such occurrences and should ANY OTHER survivor have gone through similar circumstances, please notify us at this Centre. Many thanks, David Bennett.

From: Kevin Gleig
Email: sheilagleig@aol.com
Date: 31/03/2003
Comments:

David this is a brilliant site - keep up the good work - I'm proud of you C U soon Kev

From: charles
Email: thorn621@hotmail.com
Date: 31/03/2003
Comments:

The therapist recognised how distressed I had become in 1999 and informed others that I needed assistance in the community. That help never came. I was left alone to deal with the trauma of an assault which had left me in the arms of a police officer desperately trying to keep me alive. Yes, I made it but my behavioral difficulties increased. I was never violent, but I shouted at friends and family, distressed at the intrusive thoughts I was having. My last friend left on may 10th 2000. She did not know what was wrong with me because nobody had sat down and explained ptsd to me. I was terrified of losing her and asked for help for 2 years. I was told that as I recognised something was wrong I was getting better, and did not need help. I said that if I don't get help I will lose my best friend. I was told "if you lose her find someone else". The therapist I have now is okay and says I'm still grieving for her as though it happened yesterday. I did everything I could to save my friendship and it died, making me so powerless.

From: David Bennett RE: West Midlands and Staffordshire Trauma Assistance
Date: 31/03/2003
Comments:

Survivors of Traumatic Stress within the above Geographical area. You may wish to contact John Jillings whom I know personally. He like me has been part of the Emergency Services and dealt with Trauma throughout his career. John knows what the "score" is personally, seen it, done it and worn the 'T' shirt. He did specialised training in Traumatic Stress and the modes of treatment which may be administered to Survivors, at The Trauma Centre (Wales). For any individuals seeking an empathic and genuine person in this field to help them, John is your man in the West Mid's and Staffordshire areas. The Trauma Centre (Wales) is always prepared to assist those who seek help in understanding the effects of Traumatic stress reactions, and John holds these ideals close to his heart. Contact details:- John Jillings. BSYA (CUR) Hyp. AHA. 12, Callaghan Grove, Heath Hayes, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 2GX. Tel:(01543) 278865. Mobile: 07976 583093 email:- johnjillings@hypnotherapyclinic.fsnet.co.uk Keep up the good work John, We will need it now with the current situation in IRAQ. David Bennett

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