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.
L
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