AA SPECIAL MENTAL HEALTH
SAD TIMES
BETTER DAYS
MENTAL HEALTH IS “A STATE OF WELLBEING IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL REALIZES HIS OR HER OWN ABILITIES, CAN COPE WITH THE NORMAL STRESSES OF LIFE, CAN WORK PRODUCTIVELY AND FRUITFULLY, AND IS ABLE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO HIS OR HER COMMUNITY”. WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
WITH A LARGE PART OF THE PLANET STILL UNDER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN AND ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, WHY DON’T WE TALK ABOUT IT MORE OPENLY? STEVE T FINDS OUT HOW AIRSOFT CAN HELP GET US THROUGH THE DARK DAYS AND LOOK FORWARDS TO A BETTER FUTURE.
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adies and gentlemen, today we present something outside of the norm. At Airsoft Action, we usually deal in gear reviews, upgrades or historical features, but the one thing that unites us is our shared love of airsoft. It’s a love that can transcend boundaries and create friendships that would otherwise never happen. In this article, we will explore how that camaraderie can help in our darkest times - to reconnect with those around us, find new purpose and regain balance. Anyone that has ever suffered from mental health issues - about one in four of the population, according to the charity, Mind - might find this article both interesting and inspiring. The Samaritans report that UK Suicide rates rose by more than 10% in 2018. So, if we can help someone just a tiny bit, then I’m sure you won’t begrudge us a few words on the subject.
If that all sounds a bit touchy-feely for you, then fair enough; please skip a few pages and normal service will be resumed.
NO ROOM FOR CYNICS
Just to assure keyboard warriors everywhere that may accuse Airsoft Action magazine of cashing in on a content trend, I pitched this article to the management because I genuinely believe it can help others like me. And they not only said, “Go for it!” but also “What can we do to help?” I write from hard-won and painful experience in the hope that my learnings may help you find a shortcut to success. In the process, not only has AA magazine supported me in my mission, but many of the team have also lent their voices to the cause. If you’re struggling with mental health right now, I hope you find my words, their
“I SERVED IN THE BRITISH ARMY AND ALSO AS A CONTRACTOR ON THE CIRCUIT. 19 YEARS AGO I WAS CLINICALLY DIAGNOSED WITH COMBAT RELATED PTSD, TRIED A PLETHORA OF DIFFERENT THERAPIES BUT NONE WORKED. THE ONLY WAY I COULD RELAX WAS TO SKIRMISH. “I NOW HAVE MY OWN SCHOOL WHERE I TEACH COMBAT FIREARMS SKILLS AND DRILLS. TEACHING OTHERS HELPS WITH MY THERAPY AS I KNOW NO OTHER KIND OF WORK. CONTINUING MY MILITARY INTEREST HELPS ME RELAX, COME TO TERMS WITH DIFFICULT EXPERIENCES AND FACE MY DEMONS. I CAN CONTINUE WHAT I KNOW AND LOVE, YET BE SAFE AT THE SAME TIME.” ANON, AA CONTRIBUTOR 34
MAY 2020
