I’ve been given my life back” says former Royal Marine supporting heroes with PTSD and military related trauma.

“I’ve now have the right tools in place for my mental health and my future.” says military veteran Paul.

A military veteran who served his country in Afghanistan has spoken of his determination to share his story and experience of service-related trauma and complex PTSD.

Paul Fitzsimons from Nottingham, was a member of the Royal Marines, the UK’s elite amphibious, high readiness naval infantry force and one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy.

“This is the time of year when as a nation we come together and remember our fallen brothers and sisters.” said Paul, who operated as a Signaller in the Royal Marines during the Afghanistan conflict in 2010. “It is also a time when we remember that for many, their bravery and their service to our nation has come at a cost to their own mental health.”

Born in 1983 in Dublin, Paul enlisted in the Royal Navy in 2008 where at 25 years old he passed the rigorous 32-week commando training course to become a member of the elite Royal Marines. 

Following his service during combat in Afghanistan, where he experienced the loss of 14 comrades, Paul experienced service-related trauma symptoms. This led to challenges with depression, anxiety and self-medication. In 2022 he tried to end his life.

“As a former veteran I know past and present comrades find it hard to come forward and share they are experiencing mental health challenges.” Paul said. “But I also know that because of the nature, pressures and experience of service mean devastating conditions like complex PTSD are on the rise.”

During his darkest times, Paul was told about Op COURAGE, the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. The project is part of a specialist NHS mental health and wellbeing support service designed specifically for UK armed forces service leavers, reservists, veterans, and their families.

Today, due to the support of St Andrew’s Healthcare and Op COURAGE, Paul shares his story to empower others to step forward and get the support he accessed, and which has changed his life.

“I believe I have a duty to share what I have learnt and which gave me my life back.” Paul said. “Op COURAGE is an effective and proven pathway that can help and can support and with the right specialist therapy, can change people’s lives.”

The latest research from the King’s Centre for Military Health Research at King’s College London found that rates of PTSD and Common Mental Disorders (CMD) have increased among UK Armed Forces personnel, and ex-serving personnel (veterans) in particular.

“As we join the nation in remembering the sacrifices of our Armed forces, St Andrew’s Healthcare Op Courage remains deeply committed to supporting the living.”  said Tawanda Pendeke Interim Clinical Team Lead at St Andrew’s Healthcare.

“Paul’s journey highlights that psychological wounds can surface long after service ends. Our mission is to ensure that no veteran has to face these complex mental health challenges alone, by continuing to provide the tailored and expert support they rightly deserve.” he said.

“With the help and support of the wonderful team at St Andrew’s Healthcare, I have learnt the importance of being courageous, working hard and turning up for myself.” Paul continued.

“I can now look within and know I have the personal resources in place to deal with anything that comes my way.”

As the nation gathers to remember the fallen, Paul has a clear message for individuals and families impacted by service-related trauma in the past, present or future.

“I know from first-hand experience, and say it loud and clear, that even if you suffer life changing mental health challenges, with the right support you can and you will get your life back.”

Looking for support?

Find out more about The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service in The Midland and East of England at St Andrew's Healthcare here.