Former Soldier Finds Life-Saving Help for Post-War Mental Health Struggles

A veteran, upon his return from combat, described feeling as though he “was going at 100mph,” and stated that addressing his mental health difficulties ultimately preserved his life. Rhys Thurtell, a 35-year-old resident of Norwich, represents one of many thousands of former service members who have received assistance from the specialized mental health program provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. He received a diagnosis of severe complex post-traumatic stress disorder in 2015 and made an attempt on his own life in December 2022. Mr. Thurtell conveyed a message of resilience, stating, “Whatever situation or struggle you find yourself in right now, understand that life’s toughest battles are given to its strongest soldiers.” He further emphasized the societal perception of male mental health, adding, “Men’s mental health has a real stigma – that you’re a weak or incompetent man – but that must change in order to save lives.” At the age of 17, Mr. Thurtell enlisted in the Army, dedicating five and a half years to service within the Royal Anglian Regiment. His deployments included Afghanistan, where he recounted experiencing gunfire “by every weapon you can think of.” Subsequently, he was recognized with a bravery award for his actions in preserving a friend’s life and assisting children following a grenade explosion that occurred in their hands. Mr. Thurtell achieved the rank of corporal before his departure from the Army in mid-2013, a period preceding the deterioration of his mental well-being and the onset of a disordered lifestyle. He further elaborated on his condition, stating, “My family started to notice I wasn’t the same and I was erratic, took lots of risks and felt like I was going at 100mph all the time.” He continued, describing his downward spiral: “I ended up turning to alcohol and drugs that sent me down an even darker path that ended with attempts to take my life on numerous occasions – I became a recluse.” Amidst these challenges, his eldest son was born, followed by his twins, leading him to attempt to care for his children despite a profound dislike for the person he had become and experiencing significant emotional distress. Following his emergence from a coma in December 2022, Mr. Thurtell enrolled in Op Courage, a specialized mental health program designed for veterans. Currently, he is employed by two charitable organizations dedicated to assisting Armed Forces veterans, possesses a residence, holds employment, and intends to establish his own business. Mr. Thurtell reflected on the impact of the support, remarking, “It has been life-changing and without the support they gave me I wouldn’t be here.” He added, “You can’t fix yourself overnight but I manage my mental health now. I wake up and think life is so beautiful and I am so blessed to be here.” For updates on Norfolk news, access BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.