Veteran shares powerful recovery journey with Northampton hospital after years of ‘brutal’ conflict
A former soldier who served in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts has spoken out about his recovery from trauma in a bid to encourage other veterans to seek help.
Damien Bakewell, 47, who served with the Grenadier Guards, completed operational tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The former soldier, who was treated by St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton, has shared his story ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, after years of living with the impact of his military experiences.
Damien said: “It wasn’t a job - it was a way of life. They were my family. It was everything to me.”
After completing his regular service in 2016, he continued in a Full-Time Reserve Service role. However, after years of exposure to trauma, including intense combat during his first tour of Afghanistan, his mental health began to deteriorate.
He said: “The pace was relentless. It was brutal - sometimes we were exposed to months of horrendousness during tours.
“Veterans lose their lives to this illness because they didn’t know where to go. We need to make sure people know that there is help out there.”
Damien was medically discharged in October 2021 with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The transition out of military life proved devastating and his mental health worsened.
His turning point came when he was referred to crisis mental health services and later signposted to St Andrew’s Healthcare, which delivers Op COURAGE, the NHS mental health specialist service for former armed forces personnel.
Damien began trauma therapy at St Andrew’s Healthcare in 2022, including group sessions which helped him process his experiences and reconnect with others.
He said: “Being around other people and hearing their stories made it real - I realised I wasn’t on my own.”
Although he continues to live with the effects of trauma, Damien said he now measures progress day by day.
He added: “I’m better than I was yesterday - but maybe not as good as I’ll be tomorrow. That’s how I measure things now.”
Amanda Hazelwood, regional managing director at St Andrew’s Healthcare, said Damien’s story showed the lasting impact military service can have on mental health.
She said: “Through services such as Op COURAGE, which we deliver via our Outpatients Service, we are committed to helping people rebuild their lives.”