When you think of “shell shock” what comes to mind?

During World War One Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome was a huge problem. Doctors believed that the tell tale “thousand yard stare” was a sign that the close proximity of exploding shells had caused trauma to the brain.

If you take that reasoning into consideration, it is troublesome to discover that it was common practice for Doctors to prescribe rest away from the front for Officers, while enlisted men were often accused of being cowards and sent right back out to the battlefield.

Some were shot for cowardice, or punished in a variety of creative ways.  Though enlisted men would be more likely to have been in close proximity of exploding shells than Officers, wouldn’t they?

If you are likely to be shot on the spot or court martialed you aren’t very likely to seek help when you need it most.

It seems that the history of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is one of shame and persecution.

With soldier suicides being such a huge issue in today’s world, you hear a lot about what they are doing to identify those who need help in an effort to control the climbing death toll.

The struggle today is to get soldiers to admit that they need help before it’s too late.  They aren’t facing a firing squad, but they feel like they are letting their unit down.  They aren’t keeping up their end.

Admitting that you need help with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome feels like admitting a weakness.

When you think of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome you might think of soldiers at war.  However, emergency response workers are on the front lines of daily life.

Identifying those who need help among emergency response workers can be very difficult as well.  Admitting you need help might endanger your job and your livelihood.

Family caregivers are at risk as well.  They don’t realize they need help when they are overcome with Compassion Fatigue and allow self care to fall away.  They don’t notice how bad things have become.  Family caregivers are very protective of their loved ones and often unwilling to relinquish control of their care, even if it means destroying their own health in the process.

Does this sound familiar to you?

You are much more likely to see Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome OR Compassion Fatigue in someone other than yourself.

The two conditions are very similar.  Anxiety may not accompany Compassion Fatigue, but many of the other symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome are shared by both.

As well, compassionate people are much more likely to experience Post Traumatic Stress in their lifetime than someone who has less empathy.

If your life isn’t falling apart, you might believe there is no need to give Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome any further thought.

Before you dismiss the issue completely, I’d like you to consider the facts.

• Just the frequent occurrence of a Post-Traumatic Stress Response can disrupt your whole life: your job, your relationships and even your enjoyment of everyday activities.

There is a high price to pay for ignoring the symptoms of this daunting health issue.

• The most important aspect of treating Post Traumatic Stress is finding effective stress management tools.

I encourage you to reject the label “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” and look at your Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms as red flags of warning that you need intense self care and a reliable support system.

• Emotions CAN be processed in a healthy way.

If your health care provider doesn’t offer good advice on how to attend to your emotional needs (without drugs), then find a health coach who will.

Your increased blood pressure, and production of stress hormones, as well as the other physical symptoms of a post traumatic response are damaging.

Finding a way to address your symptoms is important, the point here is that you can find ways of doing that without drugging yourself.

If you are already on psycotropic drugs, accept your situation as perfect.  It is what helped you survive up to this point.  What you resist persists.  However, you CAN find healthy ways to process emotion and get off drugs so that you can really create Joy in your life!

• Ignoring Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome Can Cost You Everything!

If you don’t find a healthy way to address your symptoms, you face a much higher than normal risk of:

• • Depression
  • Drug abuse
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Auto immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease
  • Musculoskeletal conditions

Shell shock is nothing to be ashamed of …

No Matter What the Cause!

If you have any of these symptoms, seek help:

• Feeling emotionally numb
• Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Irritability or anger
• Overwhelming guilt or shame
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
• Trouble sleeping
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there

Find someone you can talk to.

Be aware that drugs may make your situation much worse!

The Tapping World Summit is a wonderful resource that will get you using Emotional Freedom Technique in a very powerful way.

When you realize what a powerful healing tool Tapping can be, you have one more choice. Maybe drugs aren’t necessary.

You owe it to yourself to find out!

The Tapping Solution

Many blessings,

Carrie Tucker, RCP

The Life Breath Coach

Heart Failure Solutions

 

PS– Remember everyday:

• Relax and Release tension
• Exhale Slowly
• Be active in a way that adds Joy to your life

Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter