Battle Scars: A Story of War and All That Follows

One man's inspiring struggle with PTSD

Jason Fox joined the Royal Marine Commandos at sixteen, serving for ten years. After which he passed the gruelling selection process for the Special Forces. He went on to serve with the Special Boat Service for over a decade, reaching the rank of Sergeant. With his background, you be forgiven for thinking the book is just full of exciting alpha-male adventures. And while there is some of this, Battle Scars isn't simply about his fights on the battlefield. It also covers those back in civilian life too, on both a physical and mental level. As such, it's one of the most courageous pieces of writing I've read in a long time. ‘Battle Scars' will leave a profound impression on you.

The book starts as you would expect, in an exciting combat scene. But this was somewhat at odds with the tone of what follows. It's not long before we delve into not only the author's military career but the emotions of his struggle with PTSD. Then his road to recovery. It is very raw and Jason pulls no punches.

The overall impression as the book progresses is of a brave man who fought personal wars both in mind and body.

It's rare to find something discussed so openly. His description of his gradual understanding of his condition is revealing. And his struggle against it is heartbreaking. Almost as poignant was the inability of the military to offer him the help he deserved. Especially when he was at his most vulnerable. This was compounded when he was encouraged to leave the job. This was the job that had brought him such meaning before he became so ill. After a long period of further destabilisation and with the support of contacts, Jason got the help he needed. Then his long and painful road to recovery could at last begin.

As the book closes Jason mentions the trans-Atlantic row that, as part of his recovery, he successfully completed with four other inspirational men.

There's no doubt, Jason is courageous and honest about his debilitating potential of mental health issues. But he never wallows in self-pity. This is a powerful, courageous, and moving book. It puts into focus the extremities that a mental illness brings to a person. It will, I hope, help others understand PTSD or perhaps even recognise it in themselves and seek help.