#326. Bosnia Horror Stories & Fighting the IRA - Wayne Ingram

In this podcast episode, Wayne Ingram recounts the devastating experiences he faced as a soldier during the conflicts in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. He describes Bosnia as the worst war he's witnessed, filled with atrocities reminiscent of World War II, including accounts of ethnic cleansing and horrific injuries. Ingram's traumatic encounters led him to struggle with severe PTSD, which he rates as a 10 out of 10, expressing feelings of aggression and being a 'ticking time bomb' after returning from combat.

He shares a particularly haunting story from his time in Belfast, where a close friend was injured, and the psychological impact that moment had on him. Despite his later career in emergency services and helping others, the experiences and memories from his military days continued to affect his mental health profoundly. Ingram explains how he found healing through fundraising and support for children's charities, particularly after meeting a young boy, Stefan, whose life he changed with financial support for his medical operations.

Wayne also discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in the military and the importance of recognizing and addressing PTSD. He reflects on his journey, detailing the highs and lows and expressing a newfound approach to life with a supportive family and a commitment to raise awareness for mental health issues stemming from combat.