Nature Can Help With PTSD

Kevin came to me one day and asked, what I can do to help me deal with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The answer I gave him might come as a surprise to some, but not those who work with PTSD clients. I like to tell people outside sports is a great outlet for a lot of folks with PTSD. Outside activity is good for the psyche, especially hiking, camping, or fishing. The idea is to be in the moment and not be in your head where the flashbacks live. When you are outside you focus on the here and now, not the past. I believe sports like basketball, football, soccer, or baseball are not as good because the competition can be a trigger and frustrating. Also, there tend to be a crowd at these events where nature activities can be done with limited crowds.

Hiking can be a great way to deal with PTSD. Going for a walk in the woods can be very therapeutic for most people. Hiking can be done alone, with family, or with a group of trusted friends. Any way you look at it, hiking can keep you in the here and now which is helpful when combating PTSD. Understanding that you are in a safe place can be comforting and helpful. Being in the woods can be relaxing and give someone with PTSD the quiet time they need to slow their brains down and combat their hypervilligance. Like hiking camping can be good too.

Camping is good for PTSD because you can get away from the crowds and have some quality time with your family, friends, or alone. Camping gets you into a comfort zone and connect you with nature, helping you feel safe and secure. Camping is peaceful and quiet especially if you combine hiking into a remote area to camp. When I lived in Alaska there were thousands of veterans who lived in the “bush” for the peace and quiet, they hiked into the wilderness, built a cabin back in the woods where they could be left alone. I am not advocating someone go into the wilderness and be alone, I am advocating that it is healthy from time to time to get out of your head and reconnect with the solitude of nature, especially if it involves fishing.

Fishing is one of the best things for PTSD, especially fly fishing. The quiet and serenity of fly-fishing is one of the most therapeutic things someone with PTSD can do. The cadence and the rhythm of casting the fly, reading the streams, matching the hatch, all place the individual in a trance like state if done correctly. Fly-fishing is proven throughout the years to be successful in helping veterans work through their PTSD. There are several groups dedicated to teaching veterans how to fly fish. During the time they are fly-fishing veterans are in the moment, not worried about the problems or troubles, they are focused on what they’re doing.

If fly-fishing isn’t your thing, bass and trout fishing may be the answer. I’m not talking about throwing the worm out and just sitting on the bank, and drinking beer. I am talking about what a friend calls “fish hunting”. Fish hunting is the art of trying to find the pattern fish are on for that day. Fish move around a lake or river based on temperature, sunlight, weather fronts, water flow and oxygen levels. Finding where the fish are located is a challenge, making them bite is another one. During certain times of the year and certain times of the day fish move around the lake or river and develop a pattern. Trying to figure out that pattern puts someone with PTSD in a focused state and not thinking about their triggers. Reading the bank contour and structure of the lake keeps someone with PTSD in the moment. Fishing is how I get my sanity, and I know it works for other people too, especially those with PTSD. Like so many other people I use fishing as an escape to get away from all the hassles of normal day-to-day life.

I know they’ll be people out there especially spouses who think I am crazy for saying hiking, camping, and fishing can help with PTSD, but it has been proven time and time again. Being in the moment and not worried about all the outside influences that trigger a person with PTSD is good. I told Kevin that he needed to investigate getting out of the house and getting into nature to help him deal with his PTSD. I encourage anyone who has PTSD, or any anxiety disorder to take the time and go into nature and relax. Being in the moment and not worried about the triggers of everyday life is very therapeutic.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

For more information about learning how to fly fish contact

Project Healing Waters

www.projecthealingwaters.org

760-780-7216

jim.owner@projecthealingwaters.org

Some Veterans Struggle Over the Holidays

Everyone wants to enjoy the holidays, but for some veterans and their families the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. JoAnn’s family is one of those families. Joanne’s husband Steve, is a veteran who gets depressed and becomes aggressive over the holidays. Steve is triggered around the holidays and tries to stay away from extended family. Steve’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) holds him back from enjoying the holidays, and in turn causes JoAnn to dread the holidays. What Joanne is dealing with is not abnormal, thousands of families suffer from someone’s PTSD over the holidays. What’s different is Steve’s PTSD did not come from the military but his childhood. Every Christmas Steve must face the people who abused him as a child. Like so many people who have been abused by family members, Steve did not tell anyone about the abuse because of the shame, guilt and threats by the abuser. 

Like Steve, many people join the military to escape their home situation. Steve was raised in a domestically violent household and was abused by his uncle at age 8. Steve saw his mother beaten on several occasions, and he was the brunt of the abuse on multiple occasions. Steve, being the oldest of 3 children, felt the need to run interference for his siblings to protect them. At age 18 Steve had enough and went in the Army to escape the abusive situation. Steve now struggles with the holidays because he is pressured into spending time with those who abused him. He has guilt and shame to go along with his PTSD due to the abuse.

Many of those who were abused harbor ill feelings toward other family members who should have stopped the abuse. I have worked with multiple veteran’s who joined the military to escape their situation whether it’s domestic violence or sexual abuse. By forcing veterans to visit their families you may be triggering events that you did not know about, or understand. Some spouses know what happened to their veteran during childhood, but wonder why they struggle to attend family events with their family who did nothing to them. The veteran could be feeling they are betraying their family by spending time with yours and not theirs, often this puts them in a tough emotional situation.

As a therapist I understand all the different situations and the makeups of family systems. Families can be tough to deal with on a regular basis, add in the expectations brought on by the holidays and excess stress can become intolerable. The holidays can be a favorite time of the year for some, and the worst time for others. If your veteran struggles over the holidays there is usually a reason. Whether it comes from combat or childhood trauma, there are triggers everywhere for those who suffer from PTSD. By understanding the reasoning behind not wanting to go to family events and crowds, it can make both your lives easier and save a lot of frustration and fear for both of you. Just remember not all PTSD comes from military service. Some comes from family situations that has nothing to do with you or your family. The holidays can be tough on everyone, but it can also be a time of joy and happiness. If you or your spouse struggle over the holidays, please get help because you deserve to be happy and enjoy the holidays.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Nature Can Help With PTSD

Kevin came to me one day and asked, what I can do to help me deal with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The answer I gave him might come as a surprise to some, but not those who work with PTSD clients. I like to tell people outside sports is a great outlet for a lot of folks with PTSD. Outside activity is good for the psyche, especially hiking, camping, or fishing. The idea is to be in the moment and not be in your head where the flashbacks live. When you are outside you focus on the here and now, not the past. I believe sports like basketball, football, soccer, or baseball are not as good because the competition can be a trigger and frustrating. Also, there tend to be a crowd at these events where nature activities can be done with limited crowds.

Hiking can be a great way to deal with PTSD. Going for a walk in the woods can be very therapeutic for most people. Hiking can be done alone, with family, or with a group of trusted friends. Any way you look at it, hiking can keep you in the here and now which is helpful when combating PTSD. Understanding that you are in a safe place can be comforting and helpful. Being in the woods can be relaxing and give someone with PTSD the quiet time they need to slow their brains down and combat their hypervilligance. Like hiking camping can be good too.

Camping is good for PTSD because you can get away from the crowds and have some quality time with your family, friends, or alone. Camping gets you into a comfort zone and connect you with nature, helping you feel safe and secure. Camping is peaceful and quiet especially if you combine hiking into a remote area to camp. When I lived in Alaska there were thousands of veterans who lived in the “bush” for the peace and quiet, they hiked into the wilderness, built a cabin back in the woods where they could be left alone. I am not advocating someone go into the wilderness and be alone, I am advocating that it is healthy from time to time to get out of your head and reconnect with the solitude of nature, especially if it involves fishing.

Fishing is one of the best things for PTSD, especially fly fishing. The quiet and serenity of fly-fishing is one of the most therapeutic things someone with PTSD can do. The cadence and the rhythm of casting the fly, reading the streams, matching the hatch, all place the individual in a trance like state if done correctly. Fly-fishing is proven throughout the years to be successful in helping veterans work through their PTSD. There are several groups dedicated to teaching veterans how to fly fish. During the time they are fly-fishing veterans are in the moment, not worried about the problems or troubles, they are focused on what they’re doing.

If fly-fishing isn’t your thing, bass and trout fishing may be the answer. I’m not talking about throwing the worm out and just sitting on the bank, and drinking beer. I am talking about what a friend calls “fish hunting”. Fish hunting is the art of trying to find the pattern fish are on for that day. Fish move around a lake or river based on temperature, sunlight, weather fronts, water flow and oxygen levels. Finding where the fish are located is a challenge, making them bite is another one. During certain times of the year and certain times of the day fish move around the lake or river and develop a pattern. Trying to figure out that pattern puts someone with PTSD in a focused state and not thinking about their triggers. Reading the bank contour and structure of the lake keeps someone with PTSD in the moment. Fishing is how I get my sanity, and I know it works for other people too, especially those with PTSD. Like so many other people I use fishing as an escape to get away from all the hassles of normal day-to-day life.

I know they’ll be people out there especially spouses who think I am crazy for saying hiking, camping, and fishing can help with PTSD, but it has been proven time and time again. Being in the moment and not worried about all the outside influences that trigger a person with PTSD is good. I told Kevin that he needed to investigate getting out of the house and getting into nature to help him deal with his PTSD. I encourage anyone who has PTSD, or any anxiety disorder to take the time and go into nature and relax. Being in the moment and not worried about the triggers of everyday life is very therapeutic.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

For more information about learning how to fly fish contact

Project Healing Waters

www.projecthealingwaters.org

760-780-7216

jim.owner@projecthealingwaters.org

Getting Out Can Be a Struggle

Joan and Carl are friends we met while stationed in Alaska. Carl was one of my troops and our families became close. We have stayed in touch over the years and it was nice when Carl called and said he was finally retiring after 23 years. One of the biggest issues we face when we get out of the military is re-integration into society. Joan called me one night and starting discussing how Carl was struggling. She said Carl was having problems re-integrating back into society and asked if I would call him. Joan was trying to find out how long it was going to take Carl to become a civilian again. Like many who retire from the military Carl has not mentally left the military. This is common for veterans, especially those that have been to war or retired. I discussed with Joan the troubles of re-integration. It took me about 5 years to integrate back into society, and I am still not totally there yet after 13 years out. She thought he would change once he got out, but true to form he didn’t. The reality is Carl may never change.

Most civilians don’t understand why veterans are the way they are, but there’s a reason. Most military members and veterans lose their identity as soon as they enter the military. Joining the military requires personal sacrifice by everyone involved.  Military recruits are socialized into the system by replacing their identity with a military identity. The recruits are told they are expected to conform to military standards no matter who they were in civilian life. Military members are infused with military values, duty, honor, loyalty, including commitment to comrades, unit, and nation above self. Active duty members can endure long hours and dangerous conditions while their families deal with frequent deployment and the challenges of maintaining a family while they are deployed. All veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserves share a bond civilians and families don’t understand. There are times military bonds transcends family and marital bonds, spouses struggle to understand this, causing a host of problems in the family unit. This can carry into civilian life after they get out not only with their family but with their employeers and society.

For veterans finding a job is imperative. Carl struggled to find a good job that made him happy. Many have to move to a location where the jobs are, away from their biological families. For veterans it is difficult to go from leading troops and command situations to working in a position that has no real future. Many find it difficult to go from a totally structured environment like the military to a totally unstructured one like school or a civilian job. Veterans are used to commanding troops and having responsibility for millions of dollars in equipment, jobs at minimum wage can be demoralizing. Carl eventually found a job as a mechanic, but his skill set was more in line with being the one in charge running the shop.  

Carl also struggled with the attitude of people in the civilian sector, he does not understand why civilians were so different than him. To him his way was the only one that made since, what was wrong with them?  He struggles with why people worry about what he deems as irrelevant issues. Many veterans feel after you have been to war it is a minor inconvenience that your computer will not connect to the internet. Some civilians treat this as a catastrophe, to many veterans it is unimportant. They really don’t care. We still have our brothers and sisters fighting in a war, we don’t care about Hollywood issues or minor problems. Many veterans still look at daily events because we still have friends in the military in danger.

Some veterans isolate when they get out hoping to become comfortable with themselves. Some never get that comfort back. Some learn to manage the guilt and shame of war, while others continue to struggle. Most miss the comradery they had with their military buddies. Once out veterans must depend on those who don’t understand them. Getting out can be scary and hard on the members and their families. Many continue to struggle with the change and loss of friendships and comradery. It is important they grieve the loss to help them move forward. When asked, most veterans will tell you they miss the comradery most of all. Getting out is scary and can become a struggle, they need support from their community, help them when you can.

 For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Some Veterans Struggle Over the Holidays

Everyone wants to enjoy the holidays, but for some veterans and their families the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. JoAnn’s family is one of those families. Joanne’s husband Steve, is a veteran who gets depressed and becomes aggressive over the holidays. Steve is triggered around the holidays and tries to stay away from extended family. Steve’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) holds him back from enjoying the holidays, and in turn causes JoAnn to dread the holidays. What Joanne is dealing with is not abnormal, thousands of families suffer from someone’s PTSD over the holidays. What’s different is Steve’s PTSD did not come from the military but his childhood. Every Christmas Steve must face the people who abused him as a child. Like so many people who have been abused by family members, Steve did not tell anyone about the abuse because of the shame, guilt and threats by the abuser. 

Like Steve, many people join the military to escape their home situation. Steve was raised in a domestically violent household and was abused by his uncle at age 8. Steve saw his mother beaten on several occasions, and he was the brunt of the abuse on multiple occasions. Steve, being the oldest of 3 children, felt the need to run interference for his siblings to protect them. At age 18 Steve had enough and went in the Army to escape the abusive situation. Steve now struggles with the holidays because he is pressured into spending time with those who abused him. He has guilt and shame to go along with his PTSD due to the abuse.

Many of those who were abused harbor ill feelings toward other family members who should have stopped the abuse. I have worked with multiple veteran’s who joined the military to escape their situation whether it’s domestic violence or sexual abuse. By forcing veterans to visit their families you may be triggering events that you did not know about, or understand. Some spouses know what happened to their veteran during childhood, but wonder why they struggle to attend family events with their family who did nothing to them. The veteran could be feeling they are betraying their family by spending time with yours and not theirs, often this puts them in a tough emotional situation.

As a therapist I understand all the different situations and the makeups of family systems. Families can be tough to deal with on a regular basis, add in the expectations brought on by the holidays and excess stress can become intolerable. The holidays can be a favorite time of the year for some, and the worst time for others. If your veteran struggles over the holidays there is usually a reason. Whether it comes from combat or childhood trauma, there are triggers everywhere for those who suffer from PTSD. By understanding the reasoning behind not wanting to go to family events and crowds, it can make both your lives easier and save a lot of frustration and fear for both of you. Just remember not all PTSD comes from military service. Some comes from family situations that has nothing to do with you or your family. The holidays can be tough on everyone, but it can also be a time of joy and happiness. If you or your spouse struggle over the holidays, please get help because you deserve to be happy and enjoy the holidays.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.