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Luke Shipman, a former British soldier who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving on the frontline in Afghanistan, has turned to modelling and acting to help him cope with his mental health issues. Luke, who was formerly with the Mercian Regiment, had several close friends and comrades who died or were seriously injured in Afghanistan. The trauma of the experience caused him to suffer from PTSD and hallucinatory flashbacks.
Luke’s mental health deteriorated while working as a training instructor in the Army and he eventually left the service in 2017. He entered a modelling competition for tattooed men on his 30th birthday and started to pursue a career in modelling. He has since taken part in “tattooed muscle modelling” competitions and has modelled for gym brands.
Luke has also landed an acting role as a “gangster’s henchman” in an upcoming comedy drama film called Hustle and Cuss, which is due to be released later this year. He said: “It’s part-time at the moment but I’d like to earn a living from it. Acting is always something I’ve wanted to do.”
Luke said the transition from the firing line to film and fashion shoots has helped him to rebuild his life and that he was in a “better head space” as a result. He also revealed that treatments such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) had helped him to “unwind” his nightmares.
Looking back on his time in the Army, Luke said he was most proud of helping to turn war-torn areas back into communities. Despite his struggles, Luke hopes to inspire others who suffer from PTSD to seek help and to realise that they can turn their lives around.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, support can be found through the BBC Action Line
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