with Guest David Smith
On January 10, 2022, David interviewed David Smith, motivational speaker, mental health advocate and video content creator from Coventry, England.
David tells how he was born into a family with an alcoholic mother and an absentee father, how he was removed from his home at an early age and placed in the care home and foster care system, where he was the victim of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
As a teenager, following the death of his mother, he found himself homeless, and eventually joined the military, which gave him safety, structure and a sense of purpose.
During his eight years of service in the British Army, he was deployed twice in Afghanistan, where he participated in front-line combat against the Taliban, saw the death and injury of many fellow soldiers, some of which were his close friends, and tells of the actions he took under fire, to save the life of one of his friends, which resulted in recognition for his gallantry.
During his military service, David had sought help for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), but that help ceased when he was medically discharged from the military in 2017.
His mental health spiraled downwards, as he sunk further into depression and turned to alcohol and drug use, and twice attempted to take his own life. He enrolled in several classes to become more self-aware and self-progressive, and found that the power of telling his stories, not only helped him become more positive, it also helped other people who were experiencing depression and despair.
David’s mission today is to promote positivity through his online videos on Instagram and TikTok, and encourage others to tell their stories, seek support and not feel isolated and alone.
David’s Contact Information:
Instagram: @mindset.soldier
TikTok: @Mindset.soldier
PTSD Nearly Killed Me It Also Saved Me