Tag: PTSD

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What do you do when one thing piles upon another? 3 suggestions…

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Sometimes things happen on top of things that happen on top of other things.  Sound familiar?  If it were not familiar than statements like, “When it rains it pours,” would not be so common.

This has not been an uncommon theme in my experience as a pastor and a coach.  Often the events seem to be unrelated.  Physical illness, loos a job, car breaks down, furnace breaks, dog gets sick, a close friend passes…  You get the picture.  It could be any number of things that pile up one each other—on you.  And if you are already dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress or anxiety…

  1. Double down on what you know works.  This is the time to stand firm.  Take a breath and review all the tools you have already acquired.  What has worked for you in the past: exercise, healthy food choices, meditation, prayer, study, and time with friends, action…?  This is likely different for each of us.  Stand strong in all that you know how to do to deal with adversity.  If that is not enough, learn new strategies to deal with adversity!  The more difficult the circumstance the greater possibility for growth.
  2. Reach out for help!  Humble yourself and let trusted resources know you are struggling.  Let them know how they could help.  Don’t dump your problems on them.  Rather, let them know how they could help you solve or deal with one of the issues.
  3. Consider reaching out to help another person.  (listen to our podcast: “3 Reasons to Reach Out To Help“) When things seem to be snowballing in our lives it can be helpful to take some of the focus off of our circumstances and reach out to help someone else through something difficult in their lives.  This is not to deny the reality of our situation.  Rather, it helps contextualize our situation.  We also seem to receive so much more when we give.

Question:  What do you do that is helpful with everything seems to be happening at the same time?  Or What affect do other life circumstances have on PTSD?

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008 “3 Reasons to Reach Out to Help”

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What role does helping others play in our own recovery process?

We will start out with an update of our 21 day gratitude experiment from last week’s episode: Can Gratitude Save Your Life?  

3 Reasons to Reach out: The Power of Outreach

[Note: You do not have to be a veteran and suffering from war related PTSD to help a veteran with moving forward in their lives.  The same is true for veterans.  What you learn through your battle with stress, anxiety and PTSD can benefit non-veterans.]

  • Gets focus off of you and your situation.
  • Reinforces what you already know.
  • It helps discover areas for improvement.
  1. Reaching out to others gets the focus off you and your situation.  It can be easy to become consumed with our own immediate and long-term problems.  Even in partial state of growth it is possible to reach out to other in need.  It fact we will always be in a partial state of growth.  Now may not be our moment to reach out.  We should reach out in an area that we have experienced some victory.
  2. Reinforce what you already know.  By reading out to others we strengthen the foundation we have been building the in RESTORE and START process.  We have the opportunity to teach another what we have learned from our resources (tools) and experience in applying those tools.
  3. At the same time we may discovers even more effective ways of addressing areas in our own life’s and situation.

Some quotes about helping others… (from www.GoodReads.com)

  • “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”  – Charles Dickens
  • “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” –  John Bunyan
  • “Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born.)”  – Cicero

Listen to Devastation or Transformation for an overview of the START goal setting process.

Listen to RESTORE: 7 Practical Parts to the RESTORE process for a summary of the process.

  • Question: How has reaching out to help other assisted you in your journey?

 

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Is fear holding you back?

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Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Most people I know admit that fear affects their decision making in some way.  In a way that they feel usually holds them back from attempting to accomplish something new.  To overcome this fear it may not be enough to simply recognize its existence.  It is a start to recognize that fear is fueling an internal distraction; but all that might do is bring to your awareness that something is holding you back.

Many offer what appears to be a simplistic solution such as, “Just go for it!  Get over it!” Or they may share a cliché such as “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”.  As true as these statements are, the often fall short of releasing someone, or equipping someone to move forward with confidence and competence.

It can be difficult to overcome a nebulas obstacle.  For many identifying and understanding the source of the fear can be an important part of moving beyond the fear into new areas of success.  This process should not devolve into an endless loop of self-pity.  It should be with the intent of addressing and ultimately overcoming the obstacle.  This process itself takes courage!

Some shrink away from this process are assert that this sort of what they may call “navel-gazing” as pointless.  If it turns into navel-gazing, I would agree.  If we become self-absorbed and stuck in the fear or the past we are not addressing and overcoming.  Yet if we do not face and deal with whatever reality is holding us back then we are not likely to be able to boldly move forward.

The first step may be to acknowledge and accept that there is some fear holding you back.  Don’t stop there!  Courageously and patiently move forward.  If you feel stuck, have the courage to reach out for assistance.  Sometimes friends can help.  If not, a counselor, mentor, pastor or coach can help identify the core elements that may be holding you back.

It takes work to overcome our internal obstacles; but the rewards are great.  When we overcome these things we are free to act; and even free to not act.  In our freedom we may find that our lives take on an entirely different direction then we expected when fear was guiding our thinking.

Some will not enter into treatment for PTSD, or any other issue, because of fear.  Fear that they will be seen as week.  Fear that the treatment won’t work.  Or many other fear based obstacles.  We can overcome fear.  For me, as my faith in God grows stronger fear starts to take a back seat.

Today is the day that can start to turn around.  If you need someone to walk this part of your journey with you contact me at david@hopeandrestoration.org

How have you overcome fear in the past?  Please share your experience in our components section (at the top of the post).

 

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Struggling with Physical, Psychological, Spiritual Pain

BW Soldier Hand on face(In this post I share a bit of my personal struggles in the hope that it will encourage those in need to press on in their journey.  Struggling is a normal part of our human existence. We can grow and overcome obstetrical.  You do not have to do it alone. Peace, David Fell)

I have experienced physical pain and struggles as a result of the war in Iraq.  I have also experience emotional and psychological pain as a result of the same war.  Both are extremely difficult to handle; and keep handling day after day. 

The psychological/emotional has the added difficulty as they deal with the brain and mind—areas that are still taboo for many in our society.  This kind of wound may not be visible to the naked eye.  Nevertheless, they are just as real and just as physical as the physical struggles I experience in my lungs and elsewhere in my body.

Struggles, even pain, has been a part of my spiritual journey.  One aspect (among many) of this struggle is facing the difficult questions of believing in a good God and yet facing such evil, apparent injustice and destruction.  I know some convincing philosophical and theological answers to these questions. At times these intellectual answers prove to be little comfort.  At the same time I have experienced a peace that goes beyond comprehension.

No quick fix:  The doctors tell me that there is no solution for my lung problem—nor any effective treatment at the time.  For some of the other physical problems (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cataracts, neuropathy…) there are treatments, some unpleasant, tedious and burdensome; but treatment to limit and slow future damage.  Yet it is hard to not be at least a little peeved that all these problems showed up when I was young and having lived a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weigh.

There has been some help for the nightmares, anxiety and other aspect of the psychological struggles (Post-Traumatic Stress).  I say some because there is a long way to go.  I have found many things that were of limited benefit toward recovery and growth. Some of these things that did not help me are helpful to others.  Even those “failed” attempts have been helpful in helping my understanding and ability to assist others on the journey. 

The Hope and Restoration Team (HART) understands struggles, endurance, and pressing forward.  There are unique aspects to each of our struggles.  As such, no one can completely understand what you are facing.  Nevertheless, we do understand struggles that involve the physical, psychological and spiritual.

You can help those in need!  Here are several options: Liking our Facebook page.  Share this blog and podcast! Organize a RESTORE seminar for your company, organization, church, civic group.  Share your story.  We are looking for people willing to share their stories of facing difficult life challenges on different kinds on our Podcast: “Healing The Wounds of War: Hope & Restoration for PTSD”.  For any of the above, contact me at david@HealingTheWoundsOFWar.com.

How can we serve you?

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Stop Double Victimizing: once is already too much

“If it bleeds it leads.”  This is too often true in regards to the press.  Some have the impression, from the media coverage, that most returning combat veterans will suffer from lifelong PTSD.  This is just not true.  

In a very real sense we sometimes double victimize those who have experienced trauma.  The original event and by perpetuating the perspective that recovery from PTSD is unlikely, or even not possible. 

PTSD can be difficult to deal with; but it is treatable!  We should expect recovery from our selves (those dealing with PTSD) and from our loved ones.  Dave Grossman comments on this perception:

“Too few mental health professionals communicate to their patients that 1) they can recover quickly from PTSD and that 2) they will become stronger from the experience.”

Grossman, Dave; Christensen, Loren W.  On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace Kindle Edition.

Question:  Do you think your attitude about PTSD recovery makes a difference?

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Reshaping Memories: Science Fiction or Our Future?

TranslucentBrainIs the day approaching when we can take a pill to change our brains perception of traumatic events?  Researchers at MIT have accomplished this in mice.

They have been able to activate genes involved in what they call “memory extinction”.  The process does not so much erase the memory as allow new experiences to somehow overwrite the perception experience of the memory.

When they activated certain genes, Tet1, in the mice they were able to add new experiences to the old memories.  This resulted in the old memories being washed out—at least from their emotional impact.

Mice were conditioned to fear a specific cage via electric shock.  When they were put back in to the same cage without the electric shock some mice still exhibited fear.  Other mice put back into the cage quickly learned that the cage was safe and stopped showing fear. 

What was the difference?  The mice that contained to show fear—even though the cage was now safe—lacked Tet1 gene activation.  The mice that adapted to the situation had the Tet1 gene activated.

There is still a long way to go before human trials.  Yet this raises some interesting questions and even more interesting potentials.

Do you think we should mess with memory gene activation?  What are some potential benefits of this kind of treatment?  What are some risks?  What would a future look like if people could take a pill to alter all of their unpleasant memories?

Join the discussion…

Further reading…

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8,030 people dead!

No, they were not killed by a terrible natural disaster.  They were not killed in tragic accidents.  They were not killed in combat or in the line of duty.  They were veterans that took their own lives!

According to a 2012 Veterans Administration report 22 veterans committed suicide each day.  This is an alarming number of suicides considering the small segment of the population.  This number is almost double that for all U.S. military killed in Iraq, 4,486 (2003-2012).

Active duty service members are also taking their own lives in alarming numbers.  This despite the ever increasing mental health resources deployed and available throughout the services.

U.S. veterans are not only at risk.  According to a BBC report, more British Soldiers took their own lives then were killed in combat in Afghanistan during the same time period.

The CDC reports that the U.S. civilian population suicide rate has steadily increased from 1999-2010.  The greatest increase is in the age range 50-64. (About a 49% increase).

The veteran population has a suicide rate roughly double that of the general population!  For Veterans 30 per 100,000 people; for the civilian population: 14 per 100,000.

There is a lot of speculation as to why the rates are increasing in both the civilian population and veterans.   Some researchers think that the breakdown in community and an increased sense of isolation—yes, even in this electronic age—is contributing to the increase. 

The Huffington post article points out in the 1980-90’s the military had a significantly lower rates in divorce, drug abuse and suicide then the civilian population.  At that time, the report says, military communities were much tighter.

During my service (2002-2010) I saw a significant decline in the social community of the military.  I am sure the war efforts contributed to this decline.  Perhaps people withdrawing and hiding behind technology contributed as well.

This decline in esprit de corps is not the key factor that has led to the alarming increase in suicide among service members, veterans and civilians.  It may play a role or be a symptom.  It is a complex topic that is affecting an increasing number of people.

In the military, most that commit suicide are already receiving care for mental health.  The military and VA have increased access to care significantly over the last decade—but the numbers keep climbing.  They are also climbing in the civilian world. 

There are mixed reports connecting PTSD and suicide.  But there seems to be a general consensus that this is a contributing factor.  In our next podcast we will address this specific issue.

What do you think?

What can we do to start reversing these numbers among civilian, military and veterans?

Join the conversation!

Need help!  This is a list of crisis lines for several countries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Some other interesting articles and references to fuel the conversation:

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004 Questioning God

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DopamineseratoninIn today’s episode we will:

1. We will explore the struggle that can arise in faith as a result of trauma.  We will consider the question: Is it OK to question God?  If so, how?

 

2. We will take a look at light…

  •  Does light really have the power to change our brains?
  • Impact of light on sleep problems, depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and possible connections to PTSD care.

Jumping right into our main topic for today: Questioning God

  •  Does God mind if we question him?
  •  What about doubts?
  •  What about people of faith from times past?
  • Consider Psalm 77 – He boldly expressed his concerns and…

 Science and the Brain:  In the light…

– Does light really have the power to impact and even change what is going on in our brains?

  •  Serotonin: important brain chemical – clear thinking, emotion control, sleep…
  •  How can we make more serotonin?
  •  How can we have our brains release it so that
  • Taking a walk in the daylight — even on a cloudy day. 
  •  Tryptophan: something you need to eat in order for your brain to make serotonin
  •   Extra Cautions…
  • > If you are on medication that can affect who your body responds to light.
  • > Too much UV light?  How much is too much for your skin and eyes? (ask your Doc.)
  • > You are already taking an antidepressant medication (SSRI or MAO) or other medication that affects your brain chemistry.
  • > Light/Skin/Eye sensitivity or problems

 Some “Light and Brain” Info:

 – How does a lack of sun affect us?, Science Channel – http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/affects-of-lack-of-sun

– Boosting Your Serotonin Activity, Psychology Today –  http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201111/boosting-your-serotonin-activity

– Discovering Light Effects on the Brain, The American Journal of Psychiatry –  http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=96553

– Study suggests bright light therapy may improve sleep and brain function post mild TBI,  http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130601/Study-suggests-bright-light-therapy-may-improve-sleep-and-brain-function-post-mild-TBI.aspx

– Can light make us bright? Effects of light on cognition and sleep. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21531248

– Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain, Lancet –  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12480364

– Unraveling the Sun’s Role in Depression, WebMD http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20021205/unraveling-suns-role-in-depression

– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_therapy

(NOTE: The following links are provided by way of reference only.  There are many resources available on the web and some may contain differing views, facts and opinions.  This podcast, and HART does not endorse any of the authors, their views or products.  This is only a sample of articles that you may find helpful.  Always investigate for yourself.  Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes that could impact your health.]

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HTWW Episode 003 – Recognize

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In today’s episode we will:

  1.  Give a community update
  2.  Discuss in more detail the Recognize part of the RESTORE process
  3.  Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

More people connecting…

– We have over 275 people that have connected with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeAndRestorationTeam

– Twitter: @PadreDavid

– Of course our website: HealingTheWoundsOfWar.com

  •  Leave a comment or a voice message
  •  Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question (Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.)

– Our community Talk line: 253-235-9165 (please only ask one question per call)

 On to our main topic of our show…the Recognize part of the RESTORE process.

  • Recognize and evaluate go hand-in-hand.  Remember, don’t get caught up in this process.  Our point is to get to a place to set a goal and move forward.
  •  We don’t diagnose PTSD or any other conditions.
  •  We can recognize that something is not right with ourselves or another.  It does not even need to rise to the level of something that would be diagnosed for us to reach out for help or to help.
  •  Getting help starts with Recognizing that there is an issue/opportunity
  •  What has changed?  What is different?
  •  May take weeks or sometimes years to have symptoms.
  •  It is normal to be affected by a traumatic experience!
  •  4 identified areas to Recognize…
  •  From VA public page: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/symptoms_of_ptsd.asp

 Resource Spotlight:

  • in 2012, 22 US Veterans committed suicide each day!
  • US National Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

VeteransCrisisLine Banner Male2

  • for US Veterans – VA Hotline 1-800-273-8255 press 1
  • Do you know of a number in the country where you live?

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002 – RESTORE: 7 Practical parts of the RESTORE process

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I am David Fell, your host for this podcast where we are building a community Hope and Restoration for all those dealing the Stress, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress and much more.

Each week we seek to inform, educate and yes, perhaps even entertain as we learn together how to live lives of victory!

In today’s episode we will:

  • Discuss ways to get connected to the community
  •  Give an overview of the RESTORE process
  • Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

So how do get connected?

> Leave a comment or a voice message   Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question.  Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.

On to our main topic of our show…a 10,000 foot overview of the RESTORE process…

Recognize: Issue (problem)/Opportunity

– What is not “right”, going well, in my body, thoughts, attitude, relationships, etc…?

Evaluate: Impact and Sources

  • Don’t get caught up in this part of the process!
  •  Sometime our situations are complex and need qualified outside assistance to work through. There are many qualified counselors/therapists skilled in different tried and proven techniques.
  • The purpose is not to answer every possible question or understand every aspect of the issue. Rather it is to help identify something for us to do, a goal we can set and achieve.

Example 1: Marc, 70 with High Blood Pressure….

Example 2: High anxiety in large crowds

START

– Set goal(s)

  • measurable, obtainable!
  • Let others help identify and define the goal; but they must be YOUR goals! You have to take ownership of the process.

– Tool: Gather tools and resources need to accomplish goal

> Friends, equipment, books (or other training material), doctor, therapist, coach…

– Action Plan: Goal and Tools in a concrete plan

> Who, What, When, Where and How

– Run with it!!! Execute the plan with confidence.

– Test: Is the plan leading me toward the goal, is this goal leading me toward the major objective.

Tune: Adjust and modify as necessary to accomplish goal

Overcome: Obstacles will arise; but they can be overcome. When we Recognize an obstacle we can Evaluate it and START to take action to overcome.

Reach Out to others: A key ingredient!

Evolve: Change and grow in Post-Traumatic Strength and Success

Science update:

NOTE: The following links are not endorsed by this podcast of the Hope and Restoration Team. All medical options should be done in consultation with your licensed medical provider.

Stellate Ganglion Block

Dr. Eugene Lipov

As of 2012 Livop has treated 65 people with variable success. Still under investigation.

Links to interesting articles and news reports….

Thank you for listening! Let a friend know. We would appreciate it greatly if you would give us a 5 star rating in the ITunes store and share the good news.

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