At U-center we treat the person as a whole, not just the condition

“I did not have to come to U-center but I heard only good things about it: I could either come to U-center or to a military center and my therapist at Spangdhalem Air Base recommended that I come here – we both felt it would be best for me. I was treated for PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety as a result of my life in the military. A really good friend also passed away - we worked together in the military. He passed away in an accident and I blamed myself for it.

Being in the military has so many challenges - like being in dangerous areas so often. You can’t turn off the stress levels, and pressure. In the beginning I could, but I have done it so many times, that it just stays on. It’s the pressure of that, as well as being so aware and constantly on alert. As well as unfamiliar places, crowds, explosions. And just dangerous situations. I’m coming up on 20 years in active service. I’ve served in Afghanistan, Niger, Jordan, Kuwait, Kurdistan, and I could keep on - I’ve been to so many conflict zones. Afghanistan and Niger were particularly challenging."

“It was good that U-center is not a military facility. I was not my rank or the air force – I could just be myself and that was really important to heal. The treatment at U-center was much more intense and holistic than treatment I followed previously in the air force – from eating right, to exercise, group therapy as well as individual therapy. Previously I was only doing cognitive behavioural therapy. At U-center I could choose from a variety of therapies.”

“The U-center staff came with their recommendations, and it was nice because I had a lot of choice. You made it really clear to me that it was your recommendation, but it was my choice. While I was there I changed some of my therapies to ones which worked better for me. And at one point I also moved rooms to one where I was more comfortable.”

“There was quite a bit actually. It was my first time ever doing EMDR, and I was really quite shocked how much it helped me. It really took the details of what happened out of my head so they weren’t repeating all the time, not so aggressive. It doesn’t spark the emotions and feelings in me anymore. I’ve never had that happen before, and it helped so quickly.
Group therapy I had never done before, so that was a little bit scary for me to open up in front of other people. But it proved to be a really deep learning experience because I was there with other people who had also suffered from their own personal things. To open up in front of other people and see that they don’t really judge you, was very empowering for me, because I had always kept everything so inside. People trusted me with their issues and I trusted them with mine. It was actually kind of surprising, it wasn’t what I thought people would be like."

“Sometimes it’s not something you really want to admit to yourself, understanding why you’re there and why you have what you have. But I do think it’s important to understand how one thing can affect your life. If you work on that one thing, it will alleviate a lot of the effects. Not easy, it can be a hard pill to swallow. I think that sometimes we are not truthful with ourselves, and we have to be.”

“The staff were really great, with counsellors on the premises at all times. They’re extremely supportive of you, and also try to motivate you to get out there and try different things, even if you’re not feeling your best.

I worked closely with my mentor who I had therapy sessions with - she was really amazing. She was the person I could go to if I had any issue or problem at any time. Having that person to see on a more regular basis, to check on me and make sure I’m OK, was really good.

The psychologist I had was also really great and adapted the sleeping medication to get the right dose.

And the food – healthy! Well honestly, it was delicious. Especially at the end, you realize that eating healthy and feeling good are going to help you.”

“I tell everybody it helps me. I talk to everyone about it today! It really is a U-turn. Looking back, compared to how I’m living now, it was a life-saver. I wasn’t living before. I feel much more able to go out there and socialise. I have noticed the difference, my friends, colleagues too. I’m not ashamed of having PTSD and anxiety, I’m much more open about it. U-center helped me to come to terms with it. You’ve given me back my life.
That’s not to say I don’t still have tough times. I do, but they’re not nearly as intense, and I am able to recover from them on my own. From week one you start on your relapse prevention plan. It’s a pain to make, but it’s something I’ve used a lot and have memorised now. I know the warning signs. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques - I use those on a daily basis. Now I can really quickly overcome an episode of depression and it’s empowering. Anxiety, I’m still working on it. Now I’m taking more risks, letting myself be comfortable in public and stressful situations. You gave me the tools to help myself.”