the worst part was how fast it hit him. there was no resistance and its terrifying to imagine living with PTSD. this man is truly a hero

Crying isn't a weakness Brother and it isn't wrong.

It's really weird how the human mind can develope such a high level of respect for a man I've never met in just under 4 minutes. I salute him.

I spent every Sunday afternoon for six years visiting and talking with a WWII Combat Veteran who fought in the jungles of New Guinea for 9 months in 1943-44. He had very severe PTSD with what he called "Battle Dreams," where he would wake up "screaming for ammo and grenades", and "talking to dead guys". He had not shared any of his combat experiences with anyone for 50 years until we started meeting every Sunday; after around 18 months he thanked me, saying that his battle dreams had subsided from 6 nights a week to 2 - 3 nights a month... I jokingly replied "no worries, I'm getting them now" and we had a chuckle about it; but it was true, and I did actually begin having his (and my own) PTSD dreams, even though I'm not a vet... Later on I was speaking with an MD Psychiatrist and she told me that this was one of the main reasons that veterans don't get adequate therapy for their PTSD; because the therapists end up suffering from 'transference' and fatigue, and end up getting the PTSD themselves. She also told me that I had inadvertently given Joe the "gold standard" of PTSD therapy, which she described as long term (years) regular (weekly) intensive talking about the actual details of the horrors that they went through, with a person (friend/therapist) who had a genuine interest and empathy. I ended up making a big website about Joe's life and experiences. He had actually carried a camera with him for most of the 5 years that he served, from 1941 thru 1945, and had taken approximately 500 B&W photos which were of very high quality, as he became a lifetime career professional photographer after the war. I also published a 3 hour video interview that I filmed with him around 20 years ago, when he was in his 90s, where he is showing his photos and souvenirs, and describing them. That documentary is posted here on my UKposts channel; please check it out if WWII history or veterans' affairs interests you!

Asking a veteran what his most difficult day of service was is a tough blow. That his response was to cry is no surprise at all. I hope he's doing well.

“Men don’t cry cause they are weak, they cry because they have been strong for too long”- Paulo Coelho

Somebody tell that young man don't you ever apologize! You earned it man! If you want to cry you go ahead and cry! I'm a 57-year-old American and I have the utmost respect for this young man. ✌️❤️🤘

If this was my son I’d be so proud. Strength, compassion, and intelligence.

Poor lad... You know he's a great guy when he's apologizing for something that he doesn't need to feel sorry for... Keep fighting the long battle friend, you've got thousands caring for you!

I am currently suffering with PTSD so bad I can’t hardly leave my house. I deployed back in 2013 and ever since I came home I feel out of place. Almost like a fish out of water. For a few years I ignored the symptoms and life kind of spiraled out of control. Now I’m a little older and I hear the noises in the quiet of the house. I’m scared to close my eyes at night because I’m afraid on what I’ll see. I avoid mirrors because I don’t like what I see. I hope the VA is able to help me.

Ben, PLEASE don't apologize for showing emotion. IT IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS!! I had a Marine Corp gunny Sgt for a Grandfather. He was the best! He told me at a young age (10) that "crying (tears) are simply showing your heart felt feelings", and to "NEVER feel ashamed for showing these emotions". Please Ben, God loves you and He wants you to heal. Hang in there Brother.

Lack of any reassurance from the camera crew is honestly upsetting, don’t apologize for crying brother, it isn’t a burden, you can’t bottle everything up forever

German soldier with PTSD here, you are not alone brother...

Never apologise for having a cry mate, people want to help but aren’t embarrassed by that. My best mate was RM, Ireland and the Falklands, PTSD and the nicest guy I ever had the privilege of calling a friend. No one has ever come close as a mate. He’s been gone several years now, passed away but still with me when it’s quiet. He always said we were so well trained, but not to cope with the aftermath. I used to just listen and offer my totally hopeless advice, usually after lots of beer. You all mean so much to us as a nation, but resources seem to go elsewhere. Look after yourself!

I dated a man with PTSD from Military Service and it was absolutely heart wrenching. I pray he’s found peace. Much respect for Military Personnel 🙏🏻🕊️♾️

This touched my heart. Crying is a good thing and nothing to apologize for. My partner was a Royal Marine. After he left the Royal Marines he stopped hearing from anyone. No support then at all. I think he had PTSD. Perhaps not as severely as some but enough to hold him back and effect his life. You aren't prepared for life outside the marines sometimes. He was highly thought of and a focused marine. You could tell he'd been in the services by his professional mannerisms. He was a very special man. He died this year from cancer bless him and even then he tackled the treatment like it was a mission. Such a strong man. I'm so proud of him.

Any veteran would understand even without talking. The psychological effects of 3 tours of N. Ireland during the early seventies have ensured i would suffer for a lifetime, and bites when you least expect it. Ive been lost for the past 44 yrs. God bless every man & woman who decided to put their lives on the line for Queen & country. Only then will you understand ...

I was a ranger and I can’t explain how much I relate to the fact that you get out and go from being a somebody to an absolute nobody. It’s been extremely difficult to adjust back to the “real world” in more ways than one. I’m still not there. I hope this warrior finds his peace just as much as I hope that I find mine.

Always remember crying doesn't mean that you are weak , it means that you have been strong for too long.

I once found myself in a harrowing situation where I had to help a friend whose guts were protruding from his belly. Witnessing another friend trapped under tons of pallets was equally distressing, and sadly, both lost their lives. Regrettably, we never received the support we needed. Now, at the age of 60, the nightmares have resurfaced, triggered by memories of my past, especially since I experienced a stroke (caused by a blood clot in my brain) 11 months ago. The aftermath included two suicide attempts, directly linked to the emotional turmoil from my past rather than the stroke itself. So, sir .. don't say sorry most of us understand where you are.

Richard "Richie" J. Watson served with the 42 Commando Royal Marines and died on the 12th of December 2006. He was evacuated to a hospital after being hit by small arms fire and later pronounced dead. Rest in Peace Richie.

DON'T APOLOGISE FOR SHEDDING TEARS BIG MAN ITS FINE. YOU'RE A HERO BROTHER💯 THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE 🙏🙏🙏 KEEP WELL AND STAY STRONG MY MAN 💯

As an Irish man who learnt about how British imperialism tore apart our wee country. The average person would say...'yeah, you've every right to not care about the British military"...well, y'know what? I've respect for any warrior, regardless of the time period, nationality or background. War is hell...and no matter which side was deemed...'the good guys' we have to remember. War is essentially a handful of aristocratic elders that disagree with each other and the present day is literally youths who are without a sense of direction and want to fight for their country for fulfilment. The moment we acknowledge this thought will be the moment we are set free. There are no 'bad guys' and 'good guys'. There's only evil and good. And that evil begins at the highest sections of government and trickles down. Our pool of mankind is stagnant. That shit saddens my soul.

That is one courageous man. He truly serves, both in and out of the army. My deepest respect for him.

From an ex Aussie soldier, thanks for sharing this. The sad thing is our strength is our greatest weakness. Because of our training, we just grit our teeth and convince ourselves that we don’t need help from anyone. Don’t do what I did, I thought I was strong and could get through it but I waisted 30 years before I asked for help, half my life gone. For those reading this, for your sake and for the sake of those who love you don’t wait, get help now!

This video made me support The Veterans Foundation, it is clear watching this video how PTSD can affect someone. Just one word, one name and you break, stay strong and fight it mate.

PTSD is a killer. Please get help. Life should be lived not stuck in constant fear. I found learning about the Vagus nerve and Havening technique, group work and 1-2-1 therapy is making a huge difference to my recovery. Thank you for your service Ben and all others. The military needs to address this more... ❤️✌🏼🙏🏼

20 year American vet here. We all suffer in our own way. And you are right, people do hide it nowadays. My wife and i have it too. Tough way to live. Stay strong mate. God bless you.

I just want to hug him, this broke my heart. I also struggle with PTSD but its not due to military combat. Its hell. Makes me so mad that these people come back from war and have to deal with this.

I have PTSD from losing my father to Parkinson’s. I honestly never thought someone like me would feel it, especially considering most of us think it only comes from experiences like Ben’s. I also felt and feel guilty for having these feelings while men like this do, because I always felt I was being weak. Thank you, Ben. Talking about it is the thing I avoided the most and it’s the thing that’s helped the most

No one suffering with PTSD should need to apologise for what they went through. It breaks my heart to not just see this broken young man but to hear that no one has asked how he feels...

Semper fi, brother...from one Marine (across he pond) to another. You have NOTHING apologize for. My hand is on your shoulder.

This is terribly sad to see, brave young men and women severely traumatized. I hope every kind of help is available. I suffered PTSD after my son took his life, and EMDR saved me. I was sceptical but it really helped me.

It's heartbreaking to see how he apologizes for just letting his feelings go. I understand that. He has been conditioned that way through the military, and it's so strongly engrained in him. As a full-time firefighter, I have seen some bad things too in my life, and I'm glad for the fact that we have such a good psychological care these days. Young man, I salute to you and I hope you get every possible form of care possible. And I know it's said so easy but : please speak if needed and don't lock yourself in. There is always someone who got your six. Best regards from Germany. 🇩🇪🇬🇧

I am so glad, that Austrian Armed Forces really care about mental health and offer a wide range of psychological treatment without fear of getting kicked out or anything.

Had this question in an interview and the same response hit me, needless to say I didn’t get the job. Civilians don’t understand that’s why 90% of our friends are our friends because they understand. You’re helping people who don’t understand get a glimmer of understanding and you’re showing other Vets they’re not alone.

These boys are tough as nails. God bless for putting yourself in harms way.

Don't know you but the pride I feel when I see you guys is immense. Grandad was royal marine ww2. Thanks for what you've done.

Wow. How could you not respect and admire this man?! I’m grateful he is alive and hope he can get the help he needs. What a hero

I heard this young man talk. Brave and honest . So Yes I will be playing the Vets lottery. And btw. Not all superheroes wear capes. They wear uniforms, of which you are one. 🙌

Crying is one of the most human emotions. Respect. Love from across the pond 🇺🇸

I left the Military 6 years ago now and like Ben there was one certain topic that if I spoke about would always "catch me off guard". However, I spoke to Combat Stress about it last year and am now coming to the end of their treatment programme for PTSD. Now that topic NEVER catches me off guard anymore. So please, if Ben is still being "caught off guard" encourage him to speak to Combat Stress about it.

You’re not alone bro. It’s been truly difficult transitioning… When I got out of US Army, I felt I lost my personality. It seems that everything I worked hard for is now just a memory. Retiring early due to injuries is very disappointing and embarrassing at the same time. Remember, 1 day at a time. Embrace the suck.

“War is young men dying and old men talking” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt It is a great shame that people believe they need to fight another's wars for greed, corruption and power.

I hope this guy is doing okay. He doesn't need to be apologising for anything.

This is a real man. I can't even imagine the pain of mental scars left by war. I wish him all the best

I’m not a veteran, but my mom is. And I try my best to understand how difficult it can be to deal with PTSD, and theres no need to apoligize for crying. Everyone does. Men, women, kids, animals, and it’s ok to cry. ❤

Please don’t apologise sir, you are a hero in my eyes

Crying isn't a weakness brother, it's what makes us human. Stay strong, take each day as it comes and remember I must not forget, we must not forget that we are human beings.

C- PTSD made me cold, people do not understand me anymore. I am glad that I feel little to nothing anymore, but especially when losing a loved one, it is frustrating for me that I cannot cry, just stand around like a statue. I envy you for still being able to show so much compassion, this is a good thing, and you shouldn’t hide your feelings. I hope you will be well, I have high respect for service members. I prepare for service currently, am 23 yo. I sincerely hope that you will be able to put all this pain behind you, I know how it feels, how tense and paranoid you are all the time, this feeling of hopelessness. Be well, God bless you

The way he still stood politely and disciplined and kept apologizing… what a polite man. I hope he will do better

Here a veteran from Holland. I got ptsd too. I was in 2009 in Afghanistan. ❤ and respect for all the veterans and people who struggle with ptsd

It's extra difficult for veterans not only because most are men (already not allowed to cry), the military culture tends to promote toughness over softness (another mountain to climb, especially for these elite units), but also the trauma that they go through is often worse than what can be experienced in safer jobs. I hope both Ben and his mates find peace and love

Never appologies for your emotions your an amazing guy thank you for your service your a real hero who deserves so much god bless you 🙏

Living in syria and witnessing what I've witnessed in the past 12 years gave me PTSD. Words can never describe it.

Somebody give him a freaking warm, cuddly, long hug!!! This soldier needs it!!!!

Never felt better than I did after dropping the military invulnerable, invincible, adapt, overcome, and survive mindset and allowing myself to be vulnerable. PTSD and trauma are both battlefield injuries, just like getting shot. When you get shot, you have to disengage and let yourself be vulnerable via allowing a doctor to have your life in his hands. When you have trauma and ptsd, you have to disengage and let yourself be vulnerable.

I'm not a soldier and I'm not even old enough to be a soldier, but this man can always cry and let his feelings out to anyone, because crying is not a weakness, it's a gift. Most men kill themselves because they hide their feelings.

Dude. Don’t hold Back you emotions. You don’t need to prove that you’re strong by doing so. I wish you all the best! ❤

The fact that the brain can hardly comprehend so much conflict just shows that humans are not built for war. Such a tragedy that we even still have wars and the effects of those who even survive. God bless this man, and all veterans

My sister suffers from hard PTSD since 5 years because of a school agression, she passes out daily, seeing soldiers suffers from that just show how violent a bullying can be

As a veteran i have a legit question. Is one of the symptoms of PTSD uncontrollable crying? Im asking because ive been doing it and i have also been screaming, yelling, punching holes in dry walls. I lost my best friend February of 2022. Spc Ian Wilson. I was the last man to see him alive.

We owe you. Thank you for everything you've done for us. You've no need to apologise when upset and suffering. God bless you . Thanks to all who serve and have served.

Thank you, men, for your service. Doesn't matter to me which flag you served for, what branch. Thank you all, for your service. I love you all. Sincerely, A woman in America

A true warrior. Thankful for your service ♥

Only the strongest men are crying without shame brother! be proud of yourself! Show the warrior you are!

Please tell this man he has no need to apologise for showing his emotion. Nothing but respect.

It crazy how it happened Not a slow fade of emotion It caught him off guard

It's supposed to be a brotherhood whether you are still serving or not, the very best support should be given by the crown until such time as required ❤

Odysseus breaks down into tears pretty much exactly like this, hiding his face with a cloak, when hearing stories recalled of war and his comrades in arms. You should not want to cry when you are in the middle of something, but you should also not feel shame of this type of positive emotions. It is a bit like trying to get up by yourself with an injury, but not being ashamed to be pulled up after you have fought and tripped.

Never again apologize for that man. A man who never cried has never been through really hard times. Respect for what you did and acomplished. A fellow-veteran.

I love this guy. Showing that even the toughest cry sometimes. What a legend!

When you need to cry, don't hold it, just let it go for a few minutes and you'll feel better. There is a good reason for your body to cry, to give a relief from stress and anxiety.

Bless, what a lovely polite and genuine gentleman you are Sir. Much respect for you showing your true emotions for the world to see. Thankyou for your service.

when you are going through a rough time in life, sometimes just watching a video like this can remind you, that you aren’t alone and it can be the difference between doing something stupid and not. true bravery letting this air, total respect!

I'm sorry for your struggles. You are amazing, stay strong Sir!

Every tear is earned, there is no shame in shedding them.

Crying just means you still have humanity within you, hang in there brother we all can get through this.

I'm sorry you all had to go through that and I'm sorry there isn't better support for you post-service. It's because of people like you that we are able to live as freely and comfortably as we do. I hope you find true peace and happiness again, you are worth it.

Bless this man and all the veterans out there, they deserve so much more.

HUGE respect to the interviewer for skipping the question, so many would've just kept pushing to get the best footage but they actually had the human decency to back off and not put him through that

I'm impressed he's hold out this long, crying isn't a weakness, some things just straight up gets to us and when someones been bottling up all those emotions for so many years, it can be hard. You're strong in my eyes sir and thank you for serving your country and helping others.

Feeling for you and proud of your truthfulness.

Thanks for your honesty.

you got nothing but respect from us boys I promise you that. Respect to all male veterans out there for doing the work many of us cannot do. /from sweden

Helps me to see other combat veterans cry. Everybody from my deployment does the alpha-male "never-talk-about-anything-from-deployment" routine, and I literally don't possess the capability to pretend like it didn't happen. People at work and school think I'm the goofiest, most happy-go-lucky dude they've ever met. I joke with my friends about Beavis and Butt-head and we come up with UKposts skits that we think would be funny, and then I go home. It takes a split second of remembering one of my friends who got killed, remembering witnessing the civilians getting fucked up, watching friends lose their humanity just to attempt keeping their sanity. That rabbit-hole of memories can be devastating and destructive. It's been ten years and the only difference is that I've gotten way better at hiding those feelings from those around me.

I'm not even British and I want to play Veteran's lottery now. God give you strength to keep fighting your inner war pal and thank you for making our world a better place.

Absolute gentleman. A real man

While not much, this is the first time I've actually donated to a charity. Much respect from Sweden.

Its been a couple years since this video was published, I sincerely hope that this young man was able to find some peace and comfort back home. Thank you Ben for sharing your story, you are not alone! God bless.

This man deserves a hug

Bless you sir. Its tougher not to cry I hope you get help needed.

Such a brave man on many levels. Talking is incredibly hard. Hope he's still doing good.

Ben Wadham, sir, you have nothing to apologize for. Your tears are an invaluable lesson about the horrors of war against a culture that glorifies it. Thank you for your service.

courageous to let this footage be seen, thank you

Very sad. More love and power to him and all suffering similar fate

Emotions are hell of a drug.

I’m glad everyone here is being respectful they listened to this mans story and supported him in these comments

3 of my family members have served in the armed forces, the day they left to engage in a conflict overseas was like saying goodbye to who I had known them to be, only I didn't know at the time. Not one has spoken of their time in conflicts and not one returned without some form of mental health challenge or inability to engage in social gatherings. I love them all and I miss the light inside their eyes, so I do my best to bring it to them in hope it reminds them that maybe the purpose of their life may have changed but they have my unconditional love to push against. Blessings to all that have served, I cannot fathom the pain or aloneness in the wake but for what it is worth you are alive and you are loved.

From 90-08 I served, Bosnia,NI, Kosovo and 4 middle east tours, To this day i still wake up punching walls, crying, shivering. You cant explain to civvies what you have done, why you have done it and what you have seen. They have no means of reference. Ive pushed away all but 2 of my closest friends, i live alone and have to force myself NOT to drink.