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North-east disabled veterans group looks to raise awareness of social isolation

ACVO has launched the latest in its series of stories highlighting the challenges local Aberdonians go through.

ACVO has through its #10aberdeenstories, been highlighting individual stories which provide a powerful insight into the work organisations and volunteers in the city.

Alex, 62, from Northfield, Aberdeen served in the British Army in Northern Ireland between 1970 and 1977. He thought he made it back unscathed but not all wounds are obvious. Now, as the nation remembers those who served, he tells his story within the #10Aberdeenstories from ACVO TSI

Alex says ““In the years when I first came back from my service it seemed as if my life has almost gone back to normal. I went back to work, I was spending time with my family and friends, and it all seemed alright.

“It wasn’t until my mother passed away in 2002 that the post traumatic stress hit me. I broke down during the funeral and it all just came back. All the feelings I have been pushing to the back of my head.

“For five years I was lost. I put myself in a social isolation, I lacked purpose, I just did not care about anything. I could not sleep; I would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, remembering all the horrible things. I even had thoughts of suicide crossing my mind.

“During those years I had my family there for me and I also was getting doctors’ help, but nothing seemed to make a difference.”

Alex was lucky that he met an old friend who was setting up a self-help group, North East Scotland Disabled Veterans Association (NESDVA).

Alex is now Secretary/Treasurer for the group is in a much better place emotionally. He says “Ever since I became involved I am in a better place! I am comfortable talking in front of people and crowds don’t bother me anymore; family time is valuable again. I can plan for the future and I have a reason to get up in the morning! I feel appreciated and needed!”

Alex’s story is the 6th in the series of #10aberdeenstories and can be accessed from 10aberdeenstories.org.uk.

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