More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Every time former soldier Steve Dubens hears the crack of a rifle it takes him back to the horror of his time in Northern Ireland.
And that is a regular occurrence because the ex-Fusilier, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), lives within earshot of Brompton Barracks and its practice range.
He is desperately seeking a move away to help cope with his condition. Mr Dubens, 57, of Melville Court, Brompton, has been waiting to see a mental health therapist two years after he was referred for treatment.
The dad of six carried out two tours of Northern Ireland, one in Belfast and another in Londonderry, during the troubles there.
"I see a community practice nurse, who just asked me how I have been doing, my medication is given by my doctor and the nurse just keeps are record of how I am" - Steve Dubens
He had to leave the Army in 1976 due to PTSD due to the atrocities he had witnessed but his condition was not fully diagnosed until 2012.
Mr Dubens served with the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. After leaving the forces he worked in the security trade but his marriage failed and he began to drink.
During the 80s he married again but when that relationship also failed and he suffered a family bereavement, his condition spiralled out of control.
When Mr Dubens was diagnosed he was helped by the charity Combat Stress, which assists ex-service personnel suffering from psychological injuries and mental health problems. He had intensive therapy for six weeks and was told he was ready to go back and live in the community.
Mr Dubens said: “I was told I then needed to come back to Medway and get help from the NHS here who would take over my care but that’s a joke, I’ve still not seen a therapist.
“I was referred by my doctor to the mental health team in March 2012 but to this date I have still not seen a therapist.
"I see a community practice nurse, who just asked me how I have been doing, my medication is given by my doctor and the nurse just keeps are record of how I am."
Mr Dubens said his situation in made worse because his home is near Brompton Barracks. He added: “I can hear the guns being fired on the practice range and it takes my right back.
“It gives me flashbacks and nightmares and sometimes I just have to lock myself away from the world and don’t go out or open the door to anyone even my children.”
Despite putting in for a transfer with his landlord, mhs homes, his condition means he has not always been able to bid for properties when they become vacant.
He added: “We have this Medway Armed Forces Community Covenant but it seems it does not make a blind bit of difference for veterans here.
"There is nothing official to support people like me in Medway and the government needs to put more money into mental health services here as it is failing me and people like me miserably.”
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