Difficulties strengthen the mind, as well as labor does the body. Seneca
What is PTSD?
Everyone is different. Therefore, everyone reacts differently to different experiences one encounters. Researchers suggest this disorder affects 5% of the U.S. population or 13 million Americans. By contrast, 3% of the population have cancer. It is expected that 8% of the U.S. population will suffer from or experience some form of PTSD in their life time.
Once associated mainly with the horrow of combat, PTSD has stretched to take in more frequent swerves along life’s road such as car crashes, house fires, sudden death of a loved one, witnessing a disaster. PTSD has broadened the model of mental illness to cover disturbances set off solely by external events, outside the mind. Anyone can be vulunerable.
PTSD has always existed, however we are hearing more and more about it with our returning heros. Hearing the experiences they are going through.
So how does PTSD affect us? I know from personal experience that PTSD caused me to distance myself from everyone, family, friends, co-workers, social events, caused me to isolate myself in all situations, caused me to have nightmares, anger and irritability issues, confusion, difficulty concentrating, flashbacks, suicidal and homocidal thoughts, thoughts of relieving pain with alcohol and drugs. I stopped being the fun-loving, happy go lucky, over-achiever I was. My life stopped dead in its tracks.
Below I wish provide you with some positive and negative coping methods. You obviously want to stay away from the negative ones. I did myself a major disservice by staying quiet for over 5yrs. I internalized everything which was causing me to implode. My life was like an airplane that instantly lost its rudder and was heading for earth in a nose dive. Don’t allow this. If you follow these steps, I assure you, you will overcome the adversity you are faced with. Your life will soon ascend to greater altitudes, which in turn means greater success, happiness, loving relationships and living a more meaningful, fulfilling life that you so deserve.
Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand. E. E. Hale
Positive Coping Methods
* Learn as much about PTSD as you can. Do not avoid it.
* Talk to others that you trust and admire for support.
* Talk to your Physician about PTSD.
* Practice relaxation methods and techniques. Relieve your stress with exercise.
* Increase positive activities. Do things that give you joy.
* Stay away from and stop watching negativity. Turn off the Television (News) and pick up and self-help book that will assist you in becoming a better human being.
* Set positive goals for yourself. Example: To read a book a week, to surround yourself with positive, successful people.
* Take prescribed medication to tackle PTSD. Listen to your Doctor.
* Join a PTSD support group
Negative Coping Methods-STAY AWAY From
* Use of alcohol and drugs to relieve your pain. It only enhances it!
* Social Isolation
* Continued Avoidance
* Anger-Like Isolation
Be the change you want in your life. Focus on being a positive role model for your children, support group, co-workers.
You can do this! You can accomplish anything you put your mind, heart and soul into. If I can do this, so can you.
I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Leading Authority on Conquering your fear, overcoming your adversity, achieving greater success in your life, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Self-Made Man.
To contact John, email him at John@JohnSalkowski.com. To invite John to speak at your next engagement please enter speaking engagement in subject line.
Copyright 2012 Achieve Success Academy All Rights Reserved
To all our war heros, police officers and anyone else out there suffering from PTSD. Please stay strong for yourself, your family, your children. They need you. We need you. Make the difference in this world that we so desparately need.