However, as Nicky attempted to readjust to life outside of the army, he found himself struggling. “I joined the army at 16, served all over the world and left 7 years later and it is then when my mental health issues began. I was severely depressed and began to drink a lot.”

This is unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence, after a career of fast-paced action, a lot of ex-military individuals find it difficult to return back to the lives they had before. Nicky joined at such a young age and spent a large part of his formative years doing things that most of us could never imagine. Adapting to what is considered “normal life” for many of us, has proved to be an exceptional challenge.

Nicky goes on to explain how, after grappling with his own mental health for so long, it culminated in Nicky attempting to take his own life. It was at the hospital that he was eventually diagnosed with severe trauma-based depression and anxiety. However, giving his battle a name didn’t lessen the pain he was feeling. Nicky needed to find a way to channel his demons into something positive.

“A few years later I became a prison officer. About 2 years in, I had another serious mental health breakdown and one of my colleagues Liam, suggested I give model building a go to keep my mind occupied. So, I bought my first ever model kit. An Airfix 1:72 spitfire- I’ve been hooked ever since. My spitfire has since fallen victim to my 2 boys as well as many of my other models!"

“I find building models really helps with keeping my mind occupied and gives me a pride in what I have done. I urge anyone who feels the effects of mental health to give it a go, or if anyone who knows anyone who is suffering to suggest it to them.”

Like many of us, Nicky has found solace in modelling. For him, it’s a way to keep his mind from straying too far and his hands busy with a build. We’ve found that for parents, it’s also a great way to reclaim some much needed 'you time'!

Nicky also goes on to tell us about how he is now making his own recommendations, after having found so much success the effect modelling has had on his mental health. He’s eager to spread the message about the hobby that has had such a positive impact on his life.

“One of my close friends and colleagues has recently been violently attacked and already suffers, so I bought him his 1st ever kit. An Airfix 1:72 spitfire starter kit, the very same one I first had, hopefully it will help him as it has helped me.”

Nicky would also like to thank Airfix, his friend Liam, his two boys and his amazing partner Amy. We want to thank Nicky for his time and openness in sharing his story with all of us. By being so vulnerable, Nicky is lighting the way for everyone in the modelling community to follow suit. Together, we can remove the stigma which surrounds mental health! 

We have included some of the products Nicky mentioned in his article so that if anyone comes to mind who you think would benefit from a bit of Airfix TLC, you can share this with them and recreate some of Nicky's favourite builds.