Veteran who endured years of ‘brutal’ conflict shares powerful recovery journey ahead of Armed Forces Day

After years of living with the impact of trauma, a former soldier has spoken out for the first time about his recovery after serving in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. 

Damien Bakewell, who was in the Grenadier Guards, completed operational tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. 

The 47-year-old, from Nottingham, is sharing his story ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27 in a bid  to encourage fellow servicemen who may be struggling to reach out and get help.  

Thinking back on his military career, Damien said: “It wasn’t a job - it was a way of life. They were my family. It was everything to me.” 

After completing his regular service in 2016, Damien continued his commitment through a Full-Time Reserve Service role. However, after years of exposure to trauma, including intense combat experiences during his first tour of Afghanistan, his mental health began to deteriorate. 

He said: “The pace was relentless. It was brutal - sometimes we were exposed to months of horrendousness during tours. Veterans lose their lives to this illness because they didn’t know where to go. We need to make sure people know that there is help out there. Being in the military is hard, I just had no idea what a toll it had taken on me.” 

It was during a period of home leave that Damien encountered a particularly frightening incident, where he became completely disassociated from himself, experiencing a loss of connection to reality. 

Eventually, in October 2021, Damien was medically discharged with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), but sadly the transition out of military life proved devastating and he became more unwell, even attempting to take his own life on more than one occasion. 

His turning point came when he was referred to crisis mental health services and subsequently signposted to St Andrew’s Healthcare, which delivers the NHS mental health specialist service for ex-personnel, called Op COURAGE. 

He said: “If it wasn’t for that referral, I would never have known where to go.” 

Damien began trauma therapy at St Andrew’s Healthcare in 2022, including group therapy sessions that helped him process his experiences and reconnect with others. 

“Being around other people and hearing their stories made it real - I realised I wasn’t on my own. I learned techniques I’d never even considered before.” 

Despite making progress, Damien continues to live with the effects of trauma. Everyday situations such as loud noises, crowds, driving and even hot weather can act as powerful triggers. 

He said: “I’m better than I was yesterday - but maybe not as good as I’ll be tomorrow. That’s how I measure things now.” 

Today, Damien finds strength in his children and is looking ahead to a future where he can take on a peer support role, helping fellow veterans navigate their own recovery journeys. 

“People have lost lives to this illness because they didn’t know where to go. We need to make sure people know help is out there. 

“I also want to make it very clear to anyone out there struggling, that it’s ok to talk and seek help. It also doesn’t matter how long you were in service for - it could have been six months or 20 years - your experiences are valid and it impacts us all. Do not suffer in silence.” 

Amanda Hazelwood, Regional Managing Director at St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “Damien’s story highlights the lasting impact that military service can have on mental health, and the importance of ensuring veterans can access timely, specialist support.  

“Through services such as Op COURAGE, which we deliver via our Outpatients Service, we are committed to helping people rebuild their lives, and Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to recognise both the sacrifices made and the ongoing support many veterans need.” 

Op COURAGE can help with common problems like anxiety, depression and substance misuse, as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma. It can also help address other issues that may be affecting wellbeing, such as housing, finances and relationships, and can provide family support too. 

Each member of the team has either a military background or experience working with the armed forces community.  

For more information about Op COURAGE at St Andrew’s Healthcare, click here.  

Damien Bakewell who was in the Grenadier Guards completed operational tours in Iraq Bosnia Kosovo and Afghanistan