Newspaper Media

[Anglesachse]

I got a call in the shop yesterday.

A guy I used to work with, called a mate of his at the Sixth Sense newspaper. It is a British forces Military Paper here in Germany.

He mentioned about me opening up a shop here in Germany and they would like to do an article on me and the shop. The reporter is coming round next Tuesday to have a chat. Reason being they like to show Ex Forces people going it alone and becoming self employed.

Now knowing this is going to be good for the shop, I said yes. We still have around a few thousand families in the area of 30 min driving away, so I would be stupid not to do it.

What has been buging me since yesterday is, I know he is gonna ask about my history and why we decided on the shop and all that. And allthough I don`t want to go into details on my Military past, I would like to get the PTSD issue in there.

I haven`t worked well since leaving the Army, couldn`t work under f*ckwits and all that. And the shop idea, allthough old, was only realy thought of seriously when I came out of the clinic. So it is in direct relation to the me having PTSD.

I also think that a Vet in the Paper saying he has was diagnosed with PTSD 4 years ago, would be good for the Military guys still serving. It kinda shows it doesn`t have to be a taboo subject.

Kinda get the feeling that I am rambling and talking shit.........

Comments and ideas are very welcome.

 

[Zipperhead]

I still haven't told any of my old Military buddies about this. You're doing better then me Angel. Lookin out for the next generation and all. Good on you.

 

[Ned]

Yes, good one mate. I've had a think (yep, on Friday, too....) and all I can say is, work out what you want to tell the bloke well beforehand, in my limited experience of reporters there's no such thing as 'off the record'.
I wouldn't go too deep into the detail of your own past experiences, just emphasise that it is possible to overcome a shit-load of problems and bad happenings, and get something out of life again.
Cite the common factors that most blokes will recognise, don't rely on the reporter getting those in the right priority, check what his conception of combat-related PTSD is and diplomatically 'correct' him if necessary.
Other than that I think it's a good thing, shows a way forward.

 

[Wagon]

Man that sounds good. I think it is a really good thing. If there is a chance to raise awareness, why not go for it. As long as you feel comfortable, ahead flank!

 

[Ted Moen]

Good work! Good press for people learning to live with PTSD is very much needed, but at the same time I would suggest keeping the details very simple and general. I have had articles done on me for memorial day (US) a couple of times and what you think you say and what the reporter writes can feel very different when you read it in print. I think I would focus on the general need of some combat vets for a special environment in which to be productive and a general need for government and community programs to support that need, then use yourself as a success story for both yourself and your community and thank the community for its support.

Keep up the good work!

Ted

 

[Anglesachse]

Ok the guy was here on Tuesday, started taking notes, asking questions. Almost yeah, ex forces guy opens shop, ok we`ll write it, thanks for nothing sort of shit, and then I said the P word (yeah I know its not actually a word, but its my thread)

All of a sudden his eyes widen and he gets interested, PTSD? so where were you, who did you serve with again, what happend.........
Told him to wind his neck in a bit, and that my history is exactly that. MINE, and I wasnt willing to go into details on my service, as to where I had been and what had happened. He seemed cool with that, and then we started on the road that got me to here with the shop.

All the Aggresion, the Alcohol involved, nearly killing 3 innocent people in a cars with road rage the short fuse and over reaction. The anxiety, and stressors/triggers. why the shop is called "Irgendwo im Nirgendwo" in english "Somewhere in Nowhere" as that is how it feels with the beast at times, the finding a reason in the shop to carry on, when all you want to do is just give up life and go to the happy hunting grounds.

He is going to write it up and email it to me, before they put it to print. He wants to have it in the paper after Easter when all the guys are back from leave, so it gets a good audience. Funny how his whole attitude changed when he realised it might be a good story.

I made a point of telling him it is important for me that the PTSD gets mentioned, so the guys can see that there is a life with the beast. By no means an easy life, but its better than the alternative. at least its is on days when I am doing good.

Once it goes to print, I will see if it goes on the website aswell, and get it posted here.

 

[Ned]

Good, mate.

 

[Wagon]

BZ. Nice going Angle. Well done.

 

[Anglesachse]

Ok guys, I have a serious question to ask you all.

The interview was good, and I have a copy of what they want to print. I want to insit however that this site gets a mention in the form of that we Vets and Active guys and gals from all over the globe meet and chat and help each other here, and with the URL (Link Removed) in the article.

I have spoken to Anthony who is happy for me to do it. So there is no problems with copyright or what ever.

But he has mentioned that as we self police, that the decission needs to come from you guys.

Basically the Brit guys often get sent to the Combatstress.org.uk website. Unfourtunatly this site only deals with Veterans, so serving personal do not receive any real help from the site. Just the usual "this is PTSD" and "you need to go through see and speak to......." so to speak.

Where as here everybody is welcome, and it is all anonymous.

If anybody has any (Serious) objections about me getting the site flagged in the British Forces Paper - Sixth Sense, here in Germany can you let me know.

Cheers Guys

 

[Ned]

Go for it.

 

[Barberian]

Personally I don't mind. We may get a few flakes but I'm willing to put up with em if even only one new person gets even a small amount of help from coming here.

 

[Wagon]

No problems here. Aye!