So, this year I am going to be more proactively open and vocal about post traumatic stress. I’ve dealt with it tremendously well and it would be a waste if I didn’t try to help others. So, I’ll start today by sharing this. I have PTSD, and with very few exceptions it doesn’t affect me adversely at all. I don’t sit home alone contemplating suicide, and I don’t live my life on the edge of going crazy. I recently moved to New York City, and I deal well with the crowds, the loud noises, the reduced personal space, the new environments, and all the other nonsense. I’m not special, I just push myself out of my comfort zone to address those issues and adapt. I’ve adapted quite well, to the point that I don’t require any of the laundry list of medications the VA originally prescribed years ago. I run, work out, and keep my brain active. There are two things that people see and probably develop concerns over. First, on rare occasions I get nervous, but never to the point of having a panic attack or breakdown. Sometimes it comes off as slight stuttering or stammering. Second, foregoing the medications, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone frequently causes me to look for another therapeutic outlet. This one kills me because it’s something so stupid, but I’ve never had to ask for it. I don’t have anyone in NY to give me -- a hug. Nothing needy or demanding...just a hug. Before I recognized that’s what I was missing, yes, I did struggle with adapting slightly. I ended up visiting my kids to get what I needed. I hope people will realize that post traumatic stress is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. Personally, I think PTSD will end up enhancing my future relationships because of the way I allow it to affect me.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 03:15:21 +0000
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