A SERVICEMAN who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder has thanked a support service for helping him overcome his anxieties at Christmas.

Sgt Nick Wadey, who serves in the Royal Military Police, based at Bulford, says the treatment he has received from Help for Heroes has allowed him to engage more in the “large social situations” which commonly take place throughout the festive period.

Speaking about his condition, the former infantry soldier, who has toured in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “I have often been overseas at Christmas time, so it has never been the same.

“I’m not great in large social situations now, so at Christmas time I withdraw from a lot of things.

“I need to have routine during the festive season or I become very detached from people and social gatherings,” he added.

Sgt Wadey’s colleagues first became aware of his illness during an operation in Afghanistan.

The former infantry man of eight years had stopped eating and began to lose weight and become reserved.

He was eventually sent back to base in Germany and placed under the care of the military mental health team, who diagnosed him with depression, anxiety, dissociation and PTSD.

Sgt Wadey later became involved with Help for Heroes by participating in their Core Recovery Events at Tedworth House, near Tidworth.

Since then he has found ways to manage his condition and has now moved to thank them for their support.

He said: “Tedworth House has been fabulous. “Everybody is respectful of one another and their injury/illness.

“I’ve been involved in a variety of activities that I’ve had to focus on mentally – which helps with both my Tinnitus and PTSD.

“Over the Christmas period I know that I can continue with some of the crafts I’ve been making at Tedworth House, which will keep me occupied and stop me over-thinking.

“I’ve had relaxation classes which have helped me sleep, as I suffer from night terrors, and being able to relax beforehand often helps.

“The support I’ve had from Help for Heroes is outstanding, and I’m now looking forward to the future.”

Help for Heroes is asking people to send in their own messages of support for our heroes and their families.

The charity will display them in its four Recovery Centres throughout January.

Click here to send a message of support to our heroes this Christmas.