Life After PTSD: How One Veteran Beat the Odds 
Last Updated: 18 Jul 2019

Endeavors® takes Veterans and their mental health care seriously. When we met Bradley Llewellyn, we knew there was something we could do to help. What came next was more inspiring than we could have hoped. 

For many Veterans, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more than just another military acronym— it’s a life-changing condition. 

For Bradley S. Llewellyn, a Veteran experiencing homelessness and struggling with drug addiction, PTSD had torn his life apart. Though he had moved to the Rio Grande Valley to spend more time with his daughter, the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder had taken their toll. 

This is more common than many people realize. In fact, even though up to 31 percent of Vietnam War Veterans and 20 percent of Iraq veterans suffer from PTSD, many are unaware that they have it. Which means they don’t seek help.  

In Bradley’s case, it was a miracle Endeavors happened to meet him— he had only shown up to accompany a friend. And he wasn’t just unfriendly…he was downright suspicious— it was clear that his trust was hard to come by. 

However, one member of the Endeavors staff named Luis could see that something was off. Luis offered Bradley some food and water, and they began (slowly but surely) to develop a friendship.  

Through multiple conversations, the Endeavors staff told Bradley that help and hope were indeed possible. Though he was wary of assistance, he trusted Luis at this point. He began making moves to seek support. 

Fast forward just one short month, and Bradley’s progress was tremendous: he submitted a request for financial assistance that was submitted and approved! Endeavors was able to help move him into a rental unit, complete with a full-size mattress and groceries. 

The next step was addressing his PTSD with the VA. It was time for an evaluation. As Luis drove Bradley to his appointment, he expressed that was hopeful about the outcome. Luis had already sen such a difference from the Bradley he had met just a few short months earlier. His newfound optimism was inspiring. 

When the results finally came in, everyone was overjoyed: in May of 2019, four VA checks arrived, all of them made out to Bradley Llewellyn. He had been awarded 100% VA Service Connected Disability for PTSD. The amount totaled $36,000. 

When he opened the letter, Bradley began to weep. The celebration was contagious. By now, the Endeavors staff had gained Bradley’s complete trust, and the relationship they had was close. He even asked one staff member to hold onto the checks for him while he made a plan.

Little by little, Bradley began to cash his checks and buy things he wanted. The staff helped him make informed decisions that would be good for long-term financial stability. He began a rent-to-own contract on a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home. The best part? It’s just a short walk from his daughter’s home. Bradley has now obtained employment mowing lawns and providing handyman work in the same mobile home park. 

Bradley’s story is special to us. Through the relationships he created at Endeavors, he is more open and caring than ever before. He believes in “paying it forward” and has already provided emergency housing to other homeless Veterans. 

When told that he didn’t have to do that, he responded: “I know, but I can.” 

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of PTSD, it may be time to schedule an appointment with one of our trained mental health providers. Our clinics are available and offer Telehealth, face-to-face therapy delivered online, to reduce barriers to care . To find out how to get started with Endeavors’ PTSD treatment for veterans, click here! We’d love to connect with you. 

 

Note: This list of tips should not be substituted for medical care. PTSD is a serious mental health condition, and if you or someone you know is or has experienced PTSD symptoms, we recommend seeking professional medical help either through Endeavors or somewhere else. In the event of a mental health emergency, please refer to the below resources:

9-1-1

National Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-8255, press 1 

National Women Veterans Hotline: 855-829-6636