Endings and beginnings

One month ends and another begins…it is the last month of the year so it is the beginning of the end.  One of the toughest things about PTSD is fearing change.  PTSD is doable with routines.  Routines for everything.  The slightest shuffle or slightest bump in my schedule can send me for a tail spin. …

Safety Pins

I heard about people taking up the wearing of safety pins to show that people at risk are safe with them.  I checked out Snopes they shared their perspective.    In my opinion, it is an empty gesture at best.  At worse, it is way too easy for a ‘wolf’ to wear ‘sheep’ clothing or…

Getting to know me

Learn about each other….   1. Are you named after someone? Yes. My grandmother. 2. When is the last time you cried? I don’t keep track any more. Crying can be for happy reasons for me. I think yesterday when I watched a video about helping each other. 3. Do you like your handwriting? Sometimes.…

Does it ever end?

Some people online are crying, “Does PTSD ever end?”  They feel frustrated, hurt, and isolated.  I don’t know if it ever ends.  I’ve had it since I was 5 years old, I will turn 59 next month.  I control it much better after years of counseling.  I may have many good days in a row. …

What worked….

What didn’t?  I learned in counseling, one of the important things to do after a stressful event is to acknowledge what I did well.  Too often I totally dismiss what worked.  By focusing in on what parts of my plan worked I can build on these strengths.  I also need to acknowledge what didn’t work. …

Plan ahead

PTSD symptoms rise around the holidays.  For some people this time of year is like walking through a minefield of triggers.  On my other blog I shared some tips for coping through the Holidays…. This is a reprint from 2014 – information still applies: I added to my list It comes every year, like clock…

Suicide warning signs

This is from Facebook.  The article addresses the problems from a military view point.   The information applies to others as well.  If you are on Facebook liking their page helps spread helpful information on living with PTSD. PTSD Break The Silence SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING Most suicides and suicide attempts are reactions to intense feelings of:…

Suicide Prevention Day

To me, everyday is suicide prevention day.  Sadly, everyday there are more people taking their own lives.  Their internal enemies win.  Destroying from within is the most difficult thing to protect.  In a car or a plane you can put your seat belt on.  Walking you stay on the sidewalk.  Everyday people do a thousand…

Manna again

Recently had a conversation with my Dad and sister about things taking a long time.  Manna again for 40 years.  November is a month of Thanksgiving.  It came after the harvest which when the tradition was started was truly a matter of life and death.  Many times blessings come in the form of manna.  The…

Summary of questions

I explored James Ryan’s speech on good questions this week.  I hope you had time to read the speech for yourself.  Here is his summary: My claim is that if you regularly ask: wait, what, I wonder, couldn’t we at least, how can I help, and what really matters, when it comes time to ask…