The call on mental health James O'Brien vows to never forget
23 November 2021, 13:45 | Updated: 29 November 2021, 13:49
Caller shares mental health journey as PTSD sufferer from Bosnian War
LBC listeners were moved by this callers mental health journey, having suffered PTSD following the Bosnian War.
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Edin was 15 years old during Bosnian War and told James O'Brien he was the youngest UN interpreter during the conflict. He was moved to the UK aged 18, leaving friends and family behind after his service in Sarajevo.
"About 10 years after that, my PTSD kicked in" he said. The family he stayed with in Scotland "recognised something was wrong" and encouraged him to get counselling.
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James was taking speaking to callers about their individual experiences of battling mental health issues and using treatments such as therapy, exercise and meditation to address their issues.
The caller explained that it was initially difficult to come to terms with his PTSD, because of a negative mentality around mental health issues at home, and with peers.
Caller shares how therapy helped him out of anxiety and depression
"I was fighting inside myself."
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James asked the caller how his PTSD manifested outside of his head, and Edin revealed that "it became normality" to discuss the horrors he saw whilst serving as an interpreter.
He also said a fear of death intensified after the birth of his daughter.
@mrjamesob @lbc has been having an illuminating discussion with callers who have benefitted from talking therapy. An interesting point supplied by a caller is that vocalising your thoughts gives you opportunities to process them from a new angle. Insights into talking treatment.
— Peter Kay (@theonlypeterkay) November 23, 2021
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"Counselling just changed my outlook. I’m much more calm now" he said.
"I’m so glad you’re listening" James said at the end of the conversation.
"People that have been through horror, absolute horrors – it’s much easier for us to understand, but the people that have been through it still resist the idea they need help."
"Edin mate, thank you" James said, promising "I won’t forget that call."
If you are affected by the issues raised here you can phone Mind on 0300 123 3393 or Samaritans on 0330 094 5717. For PTSD specific advice and services contact Combat Stress on 0800 138 1619.
