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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