During Mental Health Awareness Month, retired British veteran Dean Griffin shared his experiences living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Iraq. At 49, Griffin reflects on a painful reality: a part of him remains in the warzone he left behind.
Griffin served in the British military in Bosnia in 2000 and Iraq in 2003 as a driver in the Royal Logistic Corps. Upon returning home to his wife, Kerry, and their two young children, he noticed troubling changes within himself. Despite his desire to reclaim normalcy, he struggled with insomnia and heightened alertness, common symptoms of PTSD.
As a lorry driver, the inability to sleep posed serious risks. “I carried on being a lorry driver for as long as I could, but not sleeping and being on the road doesn’t mix well,” he explained. Faced with the choice between continuing his current state or seeking change, Griffin chose to pursue help.
Griffin emphasized the importance of support from family and friends in his journey to recovery, acknowledging that not all veterans have the same safety net. His determination led him to return to education, where he retrained as an electrician. Today, he lives a relatively normal life in Northampton, dedicating his spare time to raise awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD.
He noted that many veterans display stubbornness regarding their health, often resisting professional help. “You could have the best doctors, and yet they might not listen to them. But they might listen to me, as a veteran myself,” Griffin said, highlighting his unique position to connect with others in similar situations.
Griffin has also created a YouTube channel under the name ‘Travelling Veteran,’ where he shares his experiences with PTSD. In one recent video, he offers practical advice to fellow veterans, starting with an encouraging message: “Just by watching this video, you’ve already done step one – wasn’t that hard, was it?” He breaks down what living with PTSD looks like and emphasizes that individuals must take ownership of their condition.
His core message is clear: “You can live a happy and fulfilling life with PTSD; you just have to make a choice.” Each day presents its challenges, but Griffin serves as an example that a supportive network and a proactive mindset can lead to positive change. His story underscores the ongoing need for awareness and understanding around PTSD among veterans.
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