PTSD Reality Check Sometimes in life, the cold, hard truth of reality has an unfunny, startling way that snaps one back into what is really going on instead of what one prefers to believe or ignore. For the longest time, I have believed that I was immune to PTSD... I could sit here and argue until I am blue in the face that I do not have PTSD. But after the reality check I just had earlier today, I now do not think there is enough water in the world to help me swallow the disturbing evidence; most of the evidence points to the uncomfortable reality based upon logical reasoning, scientific factors, statistics and past experiences, I am pretty sure I have PTSD. Ironically, and as I mentioned earlier, I did not want to have this condition, but all of the symptoms are consistent to the condition. The most uncomfortable factor of it is that some of the serious symptoms occur in my subconscious state, therefore my priorities are to seek professional diagnosis and to establish a means of control for both the conscious and subconscious state. I always thought that the strength of my dedication to family and to my responsibilities would always be enough to prevent PTSD. This is not the case because people from all walks of life and different careers (not just military) are not immune to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, it seems as though there is a vastly large variation in the level or intensity of the condition per every person that demonstrates signs and symptoms of this condition that apparently has a hold on a alarmingly large percentage of people, of course most seem to be military. The important lesson here that I cannot stress enough is to not ignore any signs/symptoms, and to not think one is immune to this or any other disorder/condition. All I can say is that as I deal with this reality check that has no sugar-coating whatsoever, I remain hopeful that my story would help other people in the event of their reality check with PTSD. In other words, treatment would likely have better effects if conducted in a timely manner. People say that denial is the first stage of recovery. I guess acceptance is the second stage... accompanied by a whole-new locker of hurt. Yet my desire is improvement and my outlook is positive; I know I have a wonderful wife and family that supports me through thick and thin. I truly hope that others like me out there realize they are not alone and that we do not have to be defined by any status, condition or illness. Let us instead be defined by our love, hope and faith to overcome it.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 23:04:46 +0000
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