A FORMER soldier with experience in Colchester has revealed how a mental health service for Armed Forces veterans has transformed his life.

Nigel Seaman was part of the Royal Anglican Regiment, known as The Vikings, from 1992 to 2004, during which he spent a significant amount of time in Colchester.

After suffering a rugby injury, retiring from the prison service, and following the death of his dad, Nigel, from Ipswich, started battling mental health issues, rooted in the experiences he had while serving. 

He then decided to seek help from Op COURAGE, a national NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans, and their families.

“I am a beneficiary of Op COURAGE and the service really helped me when I needed support and advice while I was trying supress the trauma I experienced from being in the Army," said.

“I went from a man who didn’t stop doing things to stopping and thinking about everything I had going on in my life and the traumas I experienced while I was in the Army.

“It was so hard and I felt as though I was falling apart. It took a massive toll on my life and my family’s life. It impacted us all, especially my kids. It was when I started gambling that someone sat me down and told me I needed help.”

Gazette: Courage - Nigel Seaman has signposted numerous veterans to their services through his work with his own business Combat2CoffeeCourage - Nigel Seaman has signposted numerous veterans to their services through his work with his own business Combat2Coffee (Image: Prominent PR)

Delivered by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), Op COURAGE has helped more than 30,000 people in England since its launch in 2017.

It was also revealed this month the service will expand, focusing on self-referral and enhanced addition support.

The service also provides users with a helpline, something which Nigel makes the most of when something "triggers" him or if he needs stability.

He added: “It is very difficult for veterans to call or admit they need help but I am in a fortunate position where I am able to share my experience with other people now but I wasn’t always able to.

“It’s taken time and therapy but it is a stigma with being ex-military and it is seen as weak if you show you need to talk or something is affecting you, but I really would recommend opening up and seeking help, it’s not weak – if anything it makes you stronger.”

Nigel has also previously sought help from the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, St Andrew's Healthcare, Mental Health Matters and military charities The Warrior Programme and Walking with the Wounded.

For more information about Op COURAGE or if you or a loved one feel you would benefit from its specialist support visit eput.nhs.uk/our-services/op-courage-the-veterans-mental-health-and-wellbeing-service.