NOTE FROM TED: As the speaker states, please consult a mental health professional if you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD. This talk represents the speaker’s personal views and experiences. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn his thought provoking talk, Pete shares his own personal experiences as a veteran, the impact this has had on his life and asks the audience to consider if there could be a different way. Pete is a British military veteran and a passionate advocate for veteran wellbeing and mental health. After serving in the RAF, including deployment in Afghanistan, Pete faced significant challenges transitioning to civilian life, struggling with PTSD and depression. His personal journey through the chaos of military service and its aftermath has shaped his mission to transform veteran support.Today, Pete works as a workplace wellbeing leader, using his own experiences to inform his practice. He has benefited greatly from trauma therapy with Combat Stress, which helped him find creative ways to rebuild his life. Pete now champions the need for systemic change in how veterans are supported after service, calling for compassionate, proactive approaches that replace neglect with care.Through his work, Pete aims to inspire others to see veterans not as broken, but as resilient individuals capable of thriving with the right support. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx