Spotlight on PTSD

Ann M. Wolf

ABOUT: "By all means, know, that though your informed efforts on behalf of someone with PTS(D) may be humble, that relationship with you may make all the difference in the world and could not only help to REBUILD a life, but SAVE a life." Ann M. Wolf  Stirring commentary by Ann M. Wolf concerning PTSD, who is affected, how to help or get help. The tone is set with the instrumental track of her haunting song, "Slipped Away."  PTSD/DEPRESSION Support Resources: 988 Crisis Hotline https://988lifeline.org/chat/  J6 Crisis Hotline: 1-833-SAVEDJ6 (1-833-728-3356) hotline is open 24/7  Additional credits: Song, "Slipped Away," is by Ann M. Wolf © 2021 BMI, All rights reserved. Produced by Tracy Collins Film edits are by Ann M. Wolf Film Clip is by Tima Miroshnichenko Cover image is courtesy of RDNE Stock project/Pexels  For Artist Info: https://annmwolf.info/

Transcript

00:00PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing

00:22one or more terrifying events, which can happen to any of us, but more often than not as a

00:27result of serving in harm's way.

00:29Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or recurring thoughts about the event.

00:35PTSD can be experienced by young people and adults alike.

00:39PTSD can often lead to self-isolation or feelings of being disenfranchised from family and friends

00:46who may not know how to help.

00:49PTSD can lead to a cycle of sadness and depression at times, escalating to despair.

00:55Where can hope be found for those who suffer from PTSD?

01:00Healing is a different journey for each person.

01:02For some, relief comes after finding a group of others who know exactly what they are going

01:08through and who will listen without judgment.

01:11Some begin to feel new life through contact with nature, gardening, farming, and special

01:15animals such as a service dog.

01:18Others find relief in discovering a sense of spirituality or mission for their lives,

01:23often involving helping others with similar experiences.

01:27Or perhaps they find their voice through artistic expression.

01:30The difficult memories might not ever completely disappear, but many learn that they are not

01:36defined or limited by what happened in the past, and they somehow find the courage to

01:40live again, open to receiving goodness that can be found in present moments.

01:46What can we do to help?

01:48We can learn as much as possible about PTSD and how to approach relationships with those

01:52enduring the aftereffects of trauma.

01:55We can become acquainted with resources in our community that offer support and healing

02:00options which can then be presented to our loved one or friend.

02:04We can tell those with PTSD in our lives how much we value them and share with them how

02:10their experiences could no doubt evolve into deep levels of wisdom and compassion, qualities

02:16very much needed in our world today.

02:19As we offer our support, we keep our eyes on the horizon of hopeful possibilities while

02:24holding up a new vision, one that honors where they have been and who they have been with

02:30or served with.

02:31We can praise them for their bravery, for what they have come through as well as what

02:36they can and will find as strength within themselves as they enter the future.

02:42By all means know that though your informed efforts may be humble, that relationship with

02:47you may make all the difference in the world and could not only help to rebuild a life,

02:52but to save a life.

02:55Attached to this message you will find support options, but feel free to leave contact information

03:01for resources that you may already know about as well.

03:04And thank you for listening.

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