“My PTSD is a dark, dark demon and I have fought with him many times. I know him well.” – Frankie

Wednesday 27th June was National PTSD Awareness Day in the USA, so Frankie Perez took the opportunity to speak out about mental health. He urged those listening to educate themselves and to seek the support they need if they are suffering.
Frankie is currently walking 1000 miles across the United States as part of the Walk Of America expedition team. He and his follow teammates have all suffered with their mental health as a result of their service.

Kev Carr is ex- British Army. He was injured in 2004 and has been a resident of The Beacon – a homeless veteran’s residence in Catterick – since August 2017. He is currently one of 6 veterans walking 1000 miles across the United States this summer as part of the Walk Of America expedition team, raising vital awareness and funds for the invisible wounds of war.

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When I joined the Army at 17, the world was my oyster. I was ready to serve my country and be proud of the fact that I was a soldier serving alongside my allies.

The reason I’m taking part in the Walk Of America is because in 2006 I was wounded in combat. I lost my right eye and my shoulder. And they fixed me up when I left the hospital and I went back to work. But it wasn’t until four years later that I was diagnosed with a brain injury, PTSD and depression. For all that time I just had no idea why I couldn’t remember anything. I was losing my mind. I would just stay in my house and I wouldn’t want to leave because that was my only ‘safe place’.

Once I was diagnosed, at least I had the answers, but even then I didn’t get help because I didn’t really know where to go.