Circle of Trust

Slinky covered announcements which are also available on the slack channel

The month of June is PTSD Awareness month.  PTSD is a mental health problem.  It can only develop after you go through or see a life-threatening event.   It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event (also called “trauma”). At first, it may be hard to do daily activities you are used to doing, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later, or they may come and go over time.

If it’s been longer than a few months and thoughts and feelings from the trauma are upsetting you or causing problems in your life, you may have PTSD.  It should also be noted that you do not need to be a Veteran, LE/FIRE, etc to have PTSD.  Life threatening events can happen to anyone.

I know of a few people that struggle with PTSD and it may come as a surprise to you that I have some experience some anxiety throughout the year especially around Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July.  Throughout the year, I find myself at times being very distant (quiet and shutdown a little), I guess sort of removed from society (in my own little world) and moody (short with people/impatient)  My M and kids typically notice it the most when I have these moments.  My M often refers to it as being in a mood and asks if everything is alright of which my typical response is yea.  Also there are times especially when out in public where I’d say I’m hyper vigilant (on-guard).  Maybe that’s normal, maybe that’s just being a over-protective?  Unlike others I know that have greater struggles I’m fortunate that these moments are not daily occurrences or weekly for that matter but I do experience them.  Although I’ve never been formally diagnosed with PTSD, I’m somewhat confident some of this is the result of my time spent in the service especially while deployed to the Middle East during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  

I know of a few people that struggle with PTSD and it may come as a surprise to you that I have some experience some anxiety throughout the year especially around Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July.  Throughout the year, I find myself at times being very distant (quiet and shutdown a little), I guess sort of removed from society (in my own little world) and moody (short with people/impatient)  My M and kids typically notice it the most when I have these moments.  My M often refers to it as being in a mood and asks if everything is alright of which my typical response is yea.  Also there are times especially when out in public where I’d say I’m hyper vigilant (on-guard).  Maybe that’s normal, maybe that’s just being a over-protective?  Unlike others I know that have greater struggles I’m fortunate that these moments are not daily occurrences or weekly for that matter but I do experience them.  Although I’ve never been formally diagnosed with PTSD, I’m somewhat confident some of this is the result of my time spent in the service especially while deployed to the Middle East during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  

The good news is that I know I’m not alone and that any one of my F3 brothers is just a call away if I need an ear.  Heck just being out in the gloom with you all is therapy enough!