A British Volunteer Shares Harrowing Account of Life on the Front Lines
Akula, a 22-year-old volunteer soldier from the United Kingdom, recounts the harsh realities he faced as part of the early wave of British forces in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. For months, he endured a grueling regimen of constant warfare, cold temperatures, and extreme hunger.
The psychological strain on Akula's mental health has been evident throughout his experience. In an exclusive conversation with CNN, he expressed feelings of isolation and loneliness, highlighting how difficult it is to cope with the trauma of war when thousands of miles away from loved ones.
"I felt like I was in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from," said Akula. "Scary, cold, hungry, and lonely were just four words that summed up my experience on the front lines."
His time in Ukraine has left an indelible mark on his life, forcing him to confront uncomfortable emotions and grapple with the weight of his experiences.
"It's a mix of guilt, shame, and depression," he revealed. "I feel like I should have been better prepared for what I was about to face. The harsh conditions took everything from me - my sense of security, my relationships, even my identity."
Throughout Akula's account, it becomes clear that the psychological toll of war extends far beyond physical injuries. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects that military service can have on an individual's mental well-being.
In a bid to seek help and support, Akula sought professional guidance for his struggles with PTSD. He is now working towards healing and recovery, while also serving as a voice for those who are struggling in silence.
"It's not just about me; it's about the countless others like me who are going through this," he emphasized. "We need to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues so that we can start to tackle the problem at its root."
Akula's courageous and introspective account provides a glimpse into the unseen struggles faced by volunteer soldiers on the front lines. His story serves as a call to action, advocating for greater support and understanding for those affected by war and trauma.
Akula, a 22-year-old volunteer soldier from the United Kingdom, recounts the harsh realities he faced as part of the early wave of British forces in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. For months, he endured a grueling regimen of constant warfare, cold temperatures, and extreme hunger.
The psychological strain on Akula's mental health has been evident throughout his experience. In an exclusive conversation with CNN, he expressed feelings of isolation and loneliness, highlighting how difficult it is to cope with the trauma of war when thousands of miles away from loved ones.
"I felt like I was in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from," said Akula. "Scary, cold, hungry, and lonely were just four words that summed up my experience on the front lines."
His time in Ukraine has left an indelible mark on his life, forcing him to confront uncomfortable emotions and grapple with the weight of his experiences.
"It's a mix of guilt, shame, and depression," he revealed. "I feel like I should have been better prepared for what I was about to face. The harsh conditions took everything from me - my sense of security, my relationships, even my identity."
Throughout Akula's account, it becomes clear that the psychological toll of war extends far beyond physical injuries. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects that military service can have on an individual's mental well-being.
In a bid to seek help and support, Akula sought professional guidance for his struggles with PTSD. He is now working towards healing and recovery, while also serving as a voice for those who are struggling in silence.
"It's not just about me; it's about the countless others like me who are going through this," he emphasized. "We need to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues so that we can start to tackle the problem at its root."
Akula's courageous and introspective account provides a glimpse into the unseen struggles faced by volunteer soldiers on the front lines. His story serves as a call to action, advocating for greater support and understanding for those affected by war and trauma.
. Like, what's next? Everyone's gonna be like "Oh yeah, I totally get why my friend signed up for military service in Ukraine" 
. No one talks about the emotional toll of war because they're all too scared to admit it, but Akula is like the first person who's actually willing to put a face to those feelings 
. And honestly, I think he's kinda right that we should be ashamed of ourselves for not doing more to support these guys... like, who even knows how many are struggling with PTSD? 
At least he's trying to break down stigmas, but still... can't we just have an honest conversation about it instead of pretending everything is fine? 
. I think we need more people sharing their stories like Akula - it's time to break down those stigmas surrounding mental health issues 
. We gotta support our troops (and ourselves) and get them the help they need 
. It's a huge reminder that war affects not just the soldiers, but their families too 
.
. Akula's story is so raw and honest, it's like he's speaking straight to your soul. The fact that he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame, even after leaving Ukraine... it just shows how deeply rooted these issues can be 
.
he went thru hell & back in Ukraine & now hes strugglin with PTSD 