AN ALLOA veteran is getting her life back on track after battling post-war trauma.

As reported in the Advertiser previously, Claire MacIntyre served in some of the world’s most horrific warzones during her 16-year career and carries the scars of those events with her today.

A few years ago she was discharged from the army after life-saving surgery, and initially struggled to adjust to civilian life.

She was then diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the effects of her military postings began to manifest in very concerning ways.

Claire has since started EMDR treatment to help her cope with the affliction.

She said: "I am responding well to this treatment and I get a lot of support from family and friends."

Claire added that her workplace has been supportive, giving her time off when she needs it: "They are all there when I need them. It can be anything, anytime."

However, the determined mother-of-two is adamant her past will not stop her from pursuing a prosperous future, and has found new ways to cope with her condition.

She looked to exercise to achieve some catharsis, but has now been bitten by the competition bug. Last year, she represented Scotland in the IGFS World Championships and took gold in a kettlebell event.

Apart from her children, Claire's main focus has been her determination to reach her full potential through exercise.

Her goal is to lose another 2.5 stone, which will make a total loss of nine stone since she started.

She said: "Hopefully I will achieve a master in sport some time in the next 12-24 months."

Claire offered some words of encouragement for people who may feel trapped and isolated with no one to turn to: "Seek help when you feel ready to receive it and never forget to talk to the people who care about you. No matter how hard it is, opening up is essential."

Coping is a daily struggle for Claire, but with the right support and guidance from those around her, she is continuously on track to make progress.

She added: "I just want to say thank you to the people that helped me see I needed to get help, as well as the people who continue to support me even when I don't make it easy."