For a British teenager like me, leaving home to fight in Ukraine was an impulsive decision. I didn't think twice before joining the army volunteers who were eager to defend their country against Russia's invasion. At first, it felt surreal – like a bad dream that would soon become reality.
As time passed on the front lines, however, I began to grasp the harsh truth of war – how scorching cold temperatures could make you shiver in your uniform; how hunger gnawed at your stomach like an insatiable beast. Every meal was a struggle, with food scarce and never enough. The loneliness was suffocating – not just feeling disconnected from loved ones back home but also cut off from my own thoughts.
But perhaps the most chilling experience I had to endure was the weight of PTSD that descended upon me after witnessing unimaginable horrors on the battlefield. It's a burden that no one can prepare you for, one that shakes your core and leaves you feeling like an entirely different person.
I remember the sound of artillery fire in my sleep, the echoes haunting my dreams and rendering me helpless to shake them off. And then there were the recurring nightmares – gruesome scenes from war zones replaying over and over until I couldn't keep them at bay anymore.
As I spoke with CNN about my time on the front lines, it dawned on me that I was not alone in this struggle. Many other soldiers have shared similar experiences – a mix of trauma and isolation that lingers long after they return home. And yet, despite their bravery, few are willing to speak out about what war does to those who fight.
I'm one of them now – speaking my truth, trying to break the silence around mental health in times of conflict.
As time passed on the front lines, however, I began to grasp the harsh truth of war – how scorching cold temperatures could make you shiver in your uniform; how hunger gnawed at your stomach like an insatiable beast. Every meal was a struggle, with food scarce and never enough. The loneliness was suffocating – not just feeling disconnected from loved ones back home but also cut off from my own thoughts.
But perhaps the most chilling experience I had to endure was the weight of PTSD that descended upon me after witnessing unimaginable horrors on the battlefield. It's a burden that no one can prepare you for, one that shakes your core and leaves you feeling like an entirely different person.
I remember the sound of artillery fire in my sleep, the echoes haunting my dreams and rendering me helpless to shake them off. And then there were the recurring nightmares – gruesome scenes from war zones replaying over and over until I couldn't keep them at bay anymore.
As I spoke with CNN about my time on the front lines, it dawned on me that I was not alone in this struggle. Many other soldiers have shared similar experiences – a mix of trauma and isolation that lingers long after they return home. And yet, despite their bravery, few are willing to speak out about what war does to those who fight.
I'm one of them now – speaking my truth, trying to break the silence around mental health in times of conflict.
like what kinda trauma can u really handle? and its not just physical but mental too...i feel for this guy who's speaking out about ptsd it takes so much courage to share that stuff 
we need more people like him to talk about mental health in wartime and how we can support them 
War is literally so brutal it can leave you broken and shell shocked... like I cant even imagine how hard it must be for these young Brits fighting in Ukraine 
their experiences sound super traumatic - PTSD, hunger, loneliness, and those nightmares that just wont go away 
its time we start talking about this more openly so they can get the help they need 
& it's like, totally understandable. The struggles they face are REAL 
Anyone who's been through this needs to speak out & get help ASAP 
, we need more ppl like u 2 break the silence around mental health n war 
. I think its really interesting how soldiers are often expected 2 be all tough & strong but in reality they r just as human n vulnerable as anyone else 
I can only imagine how hard it must've been for you to deal with all that trauma and PTSD. The physical struggles were bad enough, but witnessing horrors on the battlefield? That's just devastating 
. Mental health struggles in soldiers are often ignored or stigmatized, which makes this story even more important - we need to create a culture where people feel comfortable talking about their struggles 
. It's not just the soldier's fault that they're struggling, it's our collective responsibility as a society to support them 
. The mental health aspect is super important, but every time someone tries to talk about it, it gets lost in the conversation. How about we have a dedicated thread for veterans to share their experiences without fear of judgment? 
And honestly, have we been doing enough to help soldiers adjust back home after being through all that trauma? I'm still not sure... 
. War is such a harsh reality check, you know? I remember watching Band of Brothers on Netflix back in 2019 and thinking it was just a show 
, but now I realize how real war can be 
. Mental health struggles are super underrated, imo 
. I'm glad he's speaking out, maybe it'll help break the silence around mental health in war zones 
