How to outfox your demons

The ex- Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces sergeant began suffering when he was still in the military, but his symptoms got worse when he returned to civilian life after being medically discharged.

He says: “Having gone from being diagnosed with post- traumatic stress disorder and depression towards the end of my career, I was then told I had to leave the forces.

“Having to deal with the impact of mental health issues, but also leave a career of 20 years in a bad headspace, made it a tough time in my life.

“I found it very difficult to cope at the beginning, but what helped me the most was being honest with myself about where my head was at.

“I could then start to take steps in the right direction to help fix what was negative about my mindset.”

Pressure

Now, after finding fame on the hit Channel 4 show, he has penned a new guide to help others fighting their own demons.

His book, Life Under Fire, is packed with advice on how to cope with daily stresses and challenges – and perfectly timed with millions of Brits dealing with the mental pressures posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Jason says: “I acknowledge my emotions a lot more now which means I acknowledge stress, explore it and think about why I’m in the situation or feeling the emotion I am and because I do that, I find it easier to understand what

I need to do to get myself through it.

“What I think people can learn from my experience in the military is that it’s about living more in the now rather than worrying about the future.”

Jason believes the key is to act fast rather than let things fester. He adds:

“Things are always going to get to us, that’s a part of being a human, but the key is to acknowledge emotions at an early stage.

“Friends, family and loved ones can help by being there to listen and support as it is important to have a good support network around you.

“Pets can be a welcome distraction, too.”

Foxy also believes having an exercise regime can make a big difference. He says: “Exercise of some form is very good for both the mind and helping you vent, whether that’s going for a walk or heading to the gym.

“I try to train every day with one rest day per week. I do a mix of cardio, strength and HIIT sessions. When I can, I try to get out in the country.

“I have a very balanced, enjoyable diet – I don’t like to cut out the things I like but I don’t overindulge either.”

So what’s his advice to people battling with their fears in the current pandemic?

He says: “Firstly, give yourself structure to your day as that gives you a focus on daily and hourly milestones, but keep a flexible mindset as things are changing rapidly. Bad times don’t last forever. Try to look forward keep a positive outlook and remember that the bad times make the good times better.

“Not many people know it’s been scientifically proven optimists live longer. Those odds obviously change when optimists are dropped into the middle of a war, but the mentality required to succeed is drastically improved by a ‘ glass half full’ attitude.”