I wrote about PTSD and women earlier in the week. I have had some really postive feedback from this post. I would like to touch on a couple of more points that were brought to my attention. There is so much to write about this topic! It may be a bit depressing to read, however, it can be a very enlightening issue. I can only hope to help someone, regardless of status (i.e. Civilian, Military....).
A very dear friend approached me yesterday. She said "Thank you for writing this. It is a really good reminder of what my husband going through." He is serving in the dirt as you read this. (No need to name names.) She had tears in her eyes. It was a wakeup call that I didn't touch on one of the most important aspects of dealing with PTSD.....your support network.
Your spouse, significant other, extended family members, friends and really whoever will be there by your side as you are trying to deal with all of your "homecoming" and "post-deployment" emotions are an important part of the healing process.
Honestly, who else loves you enough to deal with your regular shit, let alone the reminder's of war and or deployment. Think about it. Hard. Everyone has someone to lean on. We are never truly alone. The position of that person doesn't matter. What matters is that, that person is there when you need to talk. They are there if you need to shed a few tears. They are there to kick your sorry ass out of bed when you don't feel like getting up to put that uniform back on. They are the ones to whisper in your ear, "It's gonna be okay." They are there to be your own personal cheering squad. I can honestly say that I have had a few angels through my last few years that have helped me along the way to remind me of what I am doing and why I am doing what I do. I do not have to name names. You know who you are.
Who else has enough patience to deal with you as well? Patience is such a big key. With patience comes time and with time comes healing....are you still with me on this? Yes, the sappiness is getting deep. You all know, regardless of gender, know what I am talking about.
Your support network goes almost unnoticed until you wake up one day and it hits you in the face like the coldest rains from the sky. Holy shit! So-and-so has helped me so much....or I am so grateful to have so-and-so in my life. Yep, I have had those moments. If you haven't, give me a call. I will help you realize it.
PTSD isn't always about the member. It is about the ones who care for us during the aftermath. Without that person(s) to help us throught our darkest hours, we would be nothing. Absolutely nothing. Your support network tolerates your outbursts, depression, emotional breakdowns and last, the military lifestyle. I said "tolerate". They may not like it, but still support it.
Keep this in the forefront of your mind as you heal. It may not be easy, but your support network will help the process be as seamless as possible.
NOTE: Thank you. You know who you are.
CCG
No comments:
Post a Comment