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Nervous system afire
The only haunting I have ever encountered is PTSD’s constant presence. It sets my nervous system afire.
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Most of my writing takes place first thing in the morning. When one doesn’t sleep well, one might as well be productive; right? Besides, the wee hours of the morning are still and stimulus free and by default, I am at peace.
I am the furthest thing away from a morning person. In fact, I’m such a grump, I can’t even swear at my constant spelling errors. At times, I think, If coffee came in IV bags I’d be golden.
Alas, it does not and because of it, I have to begrudgingly brew my own. Besides having the quiet and nothing but my cat sitting on my keyboard from time to time, the early morning dark is “me” time
Oh, of course, I have one more entity lurking, a constant travel companion, my PTSD. While the pre-dawn hours provide me with some relief, it is PTSD that gets me up in the first place. Strange to think that the very thing that has brought so much pain to my life, also gives me licenses to be creative.
The only haunting I have ever encountered is PTSD’s constant presence.
One of the hardest things I find about being post-traumatic is how it seems to set my nervous system afire; from the top of my head, to the tip of my toes, I am in fight, flight or freeze mode and let me tell ya, it’s a force that extends it reach to my relationship; it hits hard like being struck by lightning, it shocks my partner and hurts her heart.
I know some of you must be wondering what I mean when I say; my post-traumatic stress disorder set my nervous system afire. Well, what I simply mean is, I am hypersensitive to everything! One of the best examples that demonstrates this well, is when people hug me. Now, I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a hugger but at times, a hug ignites my nervous system and triggers a wave of panic. Unfortunately, what this wave of panic does is it sends me squirming to break free. And like a cat who fell in a tub of water, I fight my way out.
This is, of course, not something I am doing by choice but rather, I am hijacked by the powers of my mental health condition. A sad and painful reality, one that is mutually heartbreaking for the both of us.
The power of observation?
What must be remembered is that observation isn’t always as accurate as we would like to think; with that said, I know that the feelings loved ones feel after I full on panic and break free from their embrace is quite naturally hurtful.
Although this is true, the intent on my part is not to be cold and callous, its fear; inexplicable fear that has absolutely nothing to do with those I love. Yet, despite this, they rightfully feel like they did something wrong. Sad thing is, I have no idea how to make up for those moments, nor can I ever expect them to take them with a grain of salt.
Help for families of people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
My only hope is to keep travelling down the road to mental wellness; to continue therapy and self-care. Included in that is a good diet and exercise. All of this effort will hopefully quell my fight or flight mode and better manage my PTSD when my nervous system is afire.
To my dearest family, please know that the truth is, your support keep me going.
Lemonade Stand III, people with military and emergency service backgrounds talk about their PTSD. Pre-order today!
About the Book
Created by Josh Rivedal and Kathleen Myre, Lemonade Stand: Vol. III is a compilation of 20 stories from those who have served in the emergency services and the military. In it, the authors talk about their battles with PTSD, a debilitating and for many, a life-long mental illness. So, If you are from the military or emergency service’s, perhaps this book can help you combat the feelings of isolation and fear that frequently comes with post-traumatic stress disorder. Sometimes, just knowing that their are others out there, just like you, can provide you with the strength and courage to speak up and or get the help you need. The intention of this book is to help with that….You’re not alone.
Also, Lemonade Stand: Vol III was written to help combat the stigma that often accompanies mental illness, best of all, it attempts to give all you served their countries and communities a voice… Which is amazing!
PRE ORDER TODAY AT
Lemonade Stand Vol. III on The Road To Mental Wellness.
Want help fund my book? Donate: GOFundMe – The Road To Mental Wellness – The book
You may also enjoy: The Mental Health Work Injury Called PTSD
Contact me on my Facebook page: facebook.com/TRTMW