My road to wellbeing

Motorcycling can be a powerful weapon in your arsenal for achieving wellbeing and happiness

- Matthew Syrat

Back in November 2019 I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a colleague noticed an acute change in my personality. I’d been a paramedic of 25 years, and whilst I loved my job, I must acknowledge, it was draining me.

Being diagnosed sent my mind into a bit of a whirlwind, not knowing what PTSD meant, how I would be able to function, or even if I would be the same person anymore. I kept on working, but soon realised that, along with some childhood traumas, I had been holding on to several ‘unresolved’ deaths/ fatalities that I had dealt with over the years that had affected me more than I realised. The traumas of a few particular incidents just couldn’t be put to bed.

In March 2020 Covid hit the world, and the NHS was turned upside down. Work was relentless, with demands being put on everyone that eventually would see people at breaking point – it was inevitable.

After a year and a bit, when restrictions were being lifted, I began to feel, let’s say, ‘odd’ again. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I was losing interest in most things – work, play and general life. A few months later I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety through work-related stress and burnout. Yes, it’s a real thing. I’m just into my 40s and burned out.