PTSD is a brutal illness. It takes its' toll on every member of the immediate family and all the relationships within te family are affected by it. If we are not careful, we can fall into the tap of allowing PTSD to define who we are. We may not have a choice as to when and how PTSD manifests itself, but we do have a choice in how we deal with the symptoms.
At coffee this morning, my friend and I were discussing our identities, and I had a revelation. I am determined not to let PTSD defne who I am.
While my husband was in the military, my identity was attached to his rank and him in general. "Oh, she's Sergeant So-and-so's wife." Then when I was pregnant with the boys it was, "Oh there's that pregnant lady--the one with the twins." After the twins were born I magically transformed into the "Twins' mother" or the "mother of the twins." I'm not exactly sure at which point I lost my identity completely or if I ever really lost it. So, now it is time to redefine me.
There is a danger for the spouses of veteran's who suffer with PTSD to unintentionally allow PTSD to define who they are. The looming temptation to quit living just because your spouse has quit living is the easy way. Spouses must make a conscious effort to continue living in spite of the PTSD cloud that hangs over your home. Don't let PTSD ruin your life. Take charge and enjoy the freedom to live again.
You are stronger than you believe you are. Hang in there,
Blessings to you all,
the PTSD Widow
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Warrior finds healing: Utah man reaches out to those coping with PTSD - Standard-Examiner
Warrior finds healing: Utah man reaches out to those coping with PTSD - Standard-Examiner
Here is another interesting PTSD article. Thanks to my friends from all over for keeping me informed. Also, check out www.familyofavet.com for helpful resources and additional support.
Here is another interesting PTSD article. Thanks to my friends from all over for keeping me informed. Also, check out www.familyofavet.com for helpful resources and additional support.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tie a Knot...(and other thoughts)
It just dawned on me that I didn't blog about how my nightmare ended the other night. My husband came home around 11 a.m. that morning. He claimed he had been driving around, but I think there is more to the story. He probably fell asleep somewhere on the way home, and didn't want to worry me.
A good friend once told me, "Sissy, when you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot. It's easier to hang onto a knot." I have hung onto those words of wisdom so many different times. But, then there are the times that I think my rope is too short and already has too many knots. I get discouraged, but I really don't have much time to spend acting like a poster-child for discouragement and despair.
Okay, so what's the deal with Secondary PTSD? Is it PTSD or isn't it? I was "diagnosed" with Secondary PTSD today, but other people I have talked to say it doesn't exist. I don't know, but I'm going to find out. When I learn as much as I can about Secondary PTSD, I'll write a very thorough blog. Until then,
Blessings to you all,
The PTSD Widow
A good friend once told me, "Sissy, when you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot. It's easier to hang onto a knot." I have hung onto those words of wisdom so many different times. But, then there are the times that I think my rope is too short and already has too many knots. I get discouraged, but I really don't have much time to spend acting like a poster-child for discouragement and despair.
Okay, so what's the deal with Secondary PTSD? Is it PTSD or isn't it? I was "diagnosed" with Secondary PTSD today, but other people I have talked to say it doesn't exist. I don't know, but I'm going to find out. When I learn as much as I can about Secondary PTSD, I'll write a very thorough blog. Until then,
Blessings to you all,
The PTSD Widow
Saturday, March 12, 2011
He's Gone
2:30 a.m. came awfully early this morning. I woke up to let the dogs out and my husband was gone. I've tried and tried to call my husband, but he hasn't answered his phone. Now the phone goes directly to voice mail. It's after 8:00 a.m. and I'm worried sick.
I've tried to remain calm, but this is ridiculous. It's light out now, and I have no idea as to the whereabouts of my husband. Is he driving somewhere? Did he fall asleep in a parking lot or at the side of the road? Is he hurt? I pray that he will come home and is not somewhere in a hospital. I am worried sick at this point.
The agreement has been that he'll at least return my call within a reasonable time period, so there's got to be a good reason he hasn't called. I really hope he is not hurt. Honestly, I'm beside myself with worry. What do I do?
There's nothing I can do at this point--at least not until I hear something from him. I keep hoping the phone will ring or something. It's been a long time since I've been so worried!Should I call the hospitals? Should I call the police?
He disappeared like this once before and told me he was at a monastery for three days. I just don't know what to believe anymore. I'm scared and worried.
I've tried to remain calm, but this is ridiculous. It's light out now, and I have no idea as to the whereabouts of my husband. Is he driving somewhere? Did he fall asleep in a parking lot or at the side of the road? Is he hurt? I pray that he will come home and is not somewhere in a hospital. I am worried sick at this point.
The agreement has been that he'll at least return my call within a reasonable time period, so there's got to be a good reason he hasn't called. I really hope he is not hurt. Honestly, I'm beside myself with worry. What do I do?
There's nothing I can do at this point--at least not until I hear something from him. I keep hoping the phone will ring or something. It's been a long time since I've been so worried!Should I call the hospitals? Should I call the police?
He disappeared like this once before and told me he was at a monastery for three days. I just don't know what to believe anymore. I'm scared and worried.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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