Steven Simpson battles PTSD after serving in Iraq

In 2003, Steven Simpson served in the British Army during the Iraq War when he encountered a civilian child, Hassan, who had suffered a gunshot wound. Upon realizing that military medics would not treat the child, Simpson undertook a ten-hour quest across four hospitals to secure the necessary medical assistance. Despite his successful efforts in saving Hassan's life, the traumatic experiences from his military service led Simpson to spiral into depression, resulting in a PTSD diagnosis after leaving the army. Simpson struggled with self-blame and experienced severe mental health challenges, feeling that his loved ones would be better off without him. In the wake of these challenges, Simpson sought therapy at James' Place, a center dedicated to helping men facing suicidal crises. Established at the beginning of the year in Newcastle, this facility provides tailored short-term therapy interventions. During his time there, Simpson found the help he needed, expressing that his perspective on life has significantly changed. The therapy sessions helped him confront and articulate his feelings, unlike previous experiences where he felt lost or unacknowledged. The mental health crisis is pressing in the northeast of England, which has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. John Younger, the head of James' Place, emphasized the impact of economic stressors in the region, such as unemployment and a rising cost of living, which contributed to this grim statistic. As Simpson progressed through his therapy, he appreciated the unique environment at the center, which he described as a lifeline. The support he received helped him understand that he is not defined by his struggles. Upon completing his sessions, Simpson shared the newfound positivity he felt and remarked on the importance of small gestures from loved ones, like a hoodie with the message 'you are enough’. He is now motivated to ensure that more people are aware of the resources available to combat mental health issues, recognizing how valuable the assistance is during difficult times. Simpson found solace in the companionship of his dogs, which provided him a sense of purpose during challenging periods. He plans to remain engaged with those who supported him, vowing to promote the mental health initiative that significantly impacted his life.