It's part of the military attitude...
Fight it out, get tough, work through it.
I joked with a First Sergeant today about quitting his tobacco habit, and his response was, "Nobody likes a quitter!" Funny at the moment, yes, but it underscores the military mindset that often keeps our soldiers in a bad situation.
They may have a problem with PTSD or Anxiety. They may have difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or impulsiveness, but they get tough. They "deal with it" in the best way that they know how. They self medicate, with alcohol or drugs trying to numb the pain.
It's self destructive, yet many still fall into this trap.
How do we help them? How do we inspire them to help themselves? How do we help them find the resources they need to get help?
We're compiling resources to help.
To your healing!
Mike
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Are You Rolling Your Eyes At Me?
That's one of my favorite questions for my wife, as she often rolls her eyes when I say something that she finds amusing.
In this case, a theraputic technique called "eye movement desensitization and reprocessing", or EMDR is being taught to 25 counselors from around the state of New Mexico.
I've heard good reports from a doctor and some other therapists who have used the technique to help people. We'll explore more about EMDR in the future.
For today, enjoy this PTSD article from Albuquerque!
To your Healing,
Mike
In this case, a theraputic technique called "eye movement desensitization and reprocessing", or EMDR is being taught to 25 counselors from around the state of New Mexico.
I've heard good reports from a doctor and some other therapists who have used the technique to help people. We'll explore more about EMDR in the future.
For today, enjoy this PTSD article from Albuquerque!
To your Healing,
Mike
Monday, February 26, 2007
The System Can't Handle It
Yet another article came out in the Washington Post today, showing exactly why we're putting together this program to help our veterans.
The article states that "Many Iraq war soldiers, veterans and their families are not getting needed psychological help because a stressed military's mental health system is overwhelmed and understaffed."
"The findings were released Sunday by the American Psychological Association.
More than three out of 10 soldiers met the criteria for a "mental disorder," but far less than half of those in need sought help, the report found. Sometimes that's because of the stigma of having mental health problems, other times the help simply wasn't available, according to the task force. And there are special difficulties in getting help to National Guard and Reserve troops, who have been used heavily in Iraq, the report said.
The special task force found no evidence of a "well-coordinated or well-disseminated approach to providing behavioral health care to service members and their families."
I encourage everyone to read the article and see what we're facing. Our program will allow people to seek help at home, on their own terms. Trauma, anxiety, and other PTSD related issues need to be treated.
To your Healing,
Mike
The article states that "Many Iraq war soldiers, veterans and their families are not getting needed psychological help because a stressed military's mental health system is overwhelmed and understaffed."
"The findings were released Sunday by the American Psychological Association.
More than three out of 10 soldiers met the criteria for a "mental disorder," but far less than half of those in need sought help, the report found. Sometimes that's because of the stigma of having mental health problems, other times the help simply wasn't available, according to the task force. And there are special difficulties in getting help to National Guard and Reserve troops, who have been used heavily in Iraq, the report said.
The special task force found no evidence of a "well-coordinated or well-disseminated approach to providing behavioral health care to service members and their families."
I encourage everyone to read the article and see what we're facing. Our program will allow people to seek help at home, on their own terms. Trauma, anxiety, and other PTSD related issues need to be treated.
To your Healing,
Mike
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Don't Forget to Breathe!
Inhale, Exhale, Repeat.
It seems like breathing shouldn't be anything worth talking about, since everyone does it...
The problem is that many people breathe shallow breaths, and keep their upper body constricted. Deep breaths can be cleansing, and help you to relax.
When people are upset, angry, or afraid, their breathing is usually shallow, rapid, and maybe even a little noisy. When people are relaxed, their breathing is deep, slow, and quiet.
Just taking a few deep breaths can help you to feel a little less stress in your day. Every hour or two throughout your day, just take a few deep breaths and you should notice a positive difference.
There is a lot written about breathing properly and the benefits that it will bring to your life. A good first step is to simply to be aware of your breathing, and to strive to take a few deep breaths throughout your day.
To your health!
Mike
It seems like breathing shouldn't be anything worth talking about, since everyone does it...
The problem is that many people breathe shallow breaths, and keep their upper body constricted. Deep breaths can be cleansing, and help you to relax.
When people are upset, angry, or afraid, their breathing is usually shallow, rapid, and maybe even a little noisy. When people are relaxed, their breathing is deep, slow, and quiet.
Just taking a few deep breaths can help you to feel a little less stress in your day. Every hour or two throughout your day, just take a few deep breaths and you should notice a positive difference.
There is a lot written about breathing properly and the benefits that it will bring to your life. A good first step is to simply to be aware of your breathing, and to strive to take a few deep breaths throughout your day.
To your health!
Mike
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Freezing Rain, a Flute, and an Oboe
Funeral arrangements and other issues needed to be nailed down today, including an "impossible mission" to find an Oboe and Flute for children to play during the services.
What did I learn? And how will it help you?
I learned that focusing on a specific goal and chasing after it will get things accomplished, although not without some trouble along the way.
The children had come from out of town in haste to the funeral, and having them play during the services was an afterthought.
After waiting for someone to return a call for a few hours, I finally started calling other folks to find the desired instruments. I finally found the music supply company that rented them, but they were on the other side of town and closed in only thirty minutes.
I drove quickly... Maybe a little too quickly, and made it at 4:02, with locked doors and no one in sight. Even though they knew I was coming, and why, the door was locked and the phones weren't being answered. Irritated, but determined, I stood outside the door and waited for a few minutes, hoping to catch the attention of anyone trying to leave...
Finally, someone did come into sight, and answered the door when I knocked... To make a long story short, I was pleasant and persistant and they loaned the instruments to me for free. As I left I gave them a tip to cover dinner. Since I delayed them... ;-)
Freezing rain started falling, and snow shortly followed. I made it home, but the roads were becoming a slippery mess.
Why is this relevant to you?
It could be that you need some help. Perhaps it's not easy to get someone to return your calls, or live up to their committments. You may have to seek out your own solution, and doggedly pursue it.
Keep doggedly pursuing us too! The comments that we've received so far have been insightful, and are well appreciated. Let us know what you'd like to see. Email Mike at reintegrationprogram.com to share what you'd like to see and how we can help.
To your Healing,
Mike
What did I learn? And how will it help you?
I learned that focusing on a specific goal and chasing after it will get things accomplished, although not without some trouble along the way.
The children had come from out of town in haste to the funeral, and having them play during the services was an afterthought.
After waiting for someone to return a call for a few hours, I finally started calling other folks to find the desired instruments. I finally found the music supply company that rented them, but they were on the other side of town and closed in only thirty minutes.
I drove quickly... Maybe a little too quickly, and made it at 4:02, with locked doors and no one in sight. Even though they knew I was coming, and why, the door was locked and the phones weren't being answered. Irritated, but determined, I stood outside the door and waited for a few minutes, hoping to catch the attention of anyone trying to leave...
Finally, someone did come into sight, and answered the door when I knocked... To make a long story short, I was pleasant and persistant and they loaned the instruments to me for free. As I left I gave them a tip to cover dinner. Since I delayed them... ;-)
Freezing rain started falling, and snow shortly followed. I made it home, but the roads were becoming a slippery mess.
Why is this relevant to you?
It could be that you need some help. Perhaps it's not easy to get someone to return your calls, or live up to their committments. You may have to seek out your own solution, and doggedly pursue it.
Keep doggedly pursuing us too! The comments that we've received so far have been insightful, and are well appreciated. Let us know what you'd like to see. Email Mike at reintegrationprogram.com to share what you'd like to see and how we can help.
To your Healing,
Mike
Friday, February 23, 2007
Desperation Leads To Devastation
Desperate circumstances lead to poor decisions.
Poor decisions lead to poor results.
How do we take the stress, or underlying issue, and remove its "charge?"
How do we take away the ability of these issues to damage our lives?
There are several methods to defuse the emotional time bombs inside of us. People swear by a variety of techniques. E.F.T., N.L.P., Hypnosis, E.M.D.R., music therapy, and other techniques have all been used with good results for people suffering from stress, anxiety, or other traumas.
After we deal with this current situation, we'll continue putting our program together.
In the mean time, keep sending in those comments.
The ones that I've received so far have been helpful.
To your healing,
Mike
Poor decisions lead to poor results.
How do we take the stress, or underlying issue, and remove its "charge?"
How do we take away the ability of these issues to damage our lives?
There are several methods to defuse the emotional time bombs inside of us. People swear by a variety of techniques. E.F.T., N.L.P., Hypnosis, E.M.D.R., music therapy, and other techniques have all been used with good results for people suffering from stress, anxiety, or other traumas.
After we deal with this current situation, we'll continue putting our program together.
In the mean time, keep sending in those comments.
The ones that I've received so far have been helpful.
To your healing,
Mike
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Three this year.
It's happened again.
Another one of my friends has passed away, probably by her own choice.
I've lost three friends in the last 12 months. While that is sad for them and for me, I feel worse for their families who have to adjust to living without a father or a mother.
Trauma, Stress, and Hopelessness helped propel my friends to an early end.
I mourn their loss. I was living hundreds of miles away from each of them, and while I knew that they were under stress, I didn't think they would hurt themselves.
Suicide is a choice that hurts the ones around you.
If you ever think of committing suicide, Don't do it! Call for help and let someone know what you're thinking. Get the help you need.
The program is designed to help people heal from stress, trauma, anxiety and hopelessness.
Stick around, it's worth the wait.
Mike
Another one of my friends has passed away, probably by her own choice.
I've lost three friends in the last 12 months. While that is sad for them and for me, I feel worse for their families who have to adjust to living without a father or a mother.
Trauma, Stress, and Hopelessness helped propel my friends to an early end.
I mourn their loss. I was living hundreds of miles away from each of them, and while I knew that they were under stress, I didn't think they would hurt themselves.
Suicide is a choice that hurts the ones around you.
If you ever think of committing suicide, Don't do it! Call for help and let someone know what you're thinking. Get the help you need.
The program is designed to help people heal from stress, trauma, anxiety and hopelessness.
Stick around, it's worth the wait.
Mike
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Shameful!
The recent news articles showing the conditions at Walter Reed are just shameful.
Rundown buildings are bad, but the broken system for managing our healing and recovering veterans is almost beyond comprehension.
The sad thing is that I know that the vast majority of the folks working there want to do the right thing, but the system is broken.
That's why we're putting this program together. There is no way the government will be able to help everyone that needs the help. Only the worst cases will get the intensive help, while many others will suffer silently.
We intend to help.
To your healing,
Mike
Rundown buildings are bad, but the broken system for managing our healing and recovering veterans is almost beyond comprehension.
The sad thing is that I know that the vast majority of the folks working there want to do the right thing, but the system is broken.
That's why we're putting this program together. There is no way the government will be able to help everyone that needs the help. Only the worst cases will get the intensive help, while many others will suffer silently.
We intend to help.
To your healing,
Mike
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
What's the Inspiration?
After 18 years in the military, I've made a few friends.
Several of those friends have gone to Iraq or Afghanistan and returned with some horrific stories.
The soldier killed in the ambush.
The truck in front that suddenly exploded.
The men who blocked a VBIED and sacrificed their lives to protect their buddies.
The stories are full of heroism, valor, and also pain.
Even if they weren't physically injured, they saw their friends bleeding, or blown apart.
They feel the guilt that survivors often do, questioning why it happened, why they survived, or if they could have changed the outcome.
I was inspired to create this program to help heal them.
I'm working with a team of professionals to find solutions that can be used at home, privately.
To your healing,
Mike
Several of those friends have gone to Iraq or Afghanistan and returned with some horrific stories.
The soldier killed in the ambush.
The truck in front that suddenly exploded.
The men who blocked a VBIED and sacrificed their lives to protect their buddies.
The stories are full of heroism, valor, and also pain.
Even if they weren't physically injured, they saw their friends bleeding, or blown apart.
They feel the guilt that survivors often do, questioning why it happened, why they survived, or if they could have changed the outcome.
I was inspired to create this program to help heal them.
I'm working with a team of professionals to find solutions that can be used at home, privately.
To your healing,
Mike
Monday, February 19, 2007
"They think the soldier comes home, and it's over... But it's not over."
The time has come to begin the healing.
The time has come to welcome home our fighting men and women.
A gift is being prepared to help welcome them home.
Anxiety is a constant companion for many who have spent time in a combat zone. After months of living in a constantly changing, often threatening environment, your mind and body is often reeling from the stress.
Months of constant alertness have taken a toll, and it’s difficult to let down your guard. It’s tough to relax and reconnect with family and friends.
How do you reintegrate back into your family life?
How do you overcome the stress of a combat tour?
Combat affects our veterans long after the bullets have stopped flying. The physical battles may be over after returning home from war, but the mental ones are just beginning.
Not everyone is diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), but most still carry anxiety and stress around with them.
Studies show that a third of soldiers returning from Iraq sought mental health services. The demand for services is greater than the supply. Long waiting lists are common.
This is a place to share your story, and to find help where needed.
Do you feel tense, angry, or depressed?
Are you “on edge” much of the time?
Do you have trouble sleeping?
Do you have memories that bother you?
The new Reintegration Program is designed to help you:
Reduce your levels of anxiety and fear.
Increase your emotional control and decrease inappropriate aggressiveness
Desensitize yourself to traumatic memories.
Smoothly rejoin your life at home.
This professionally designed program will be ready for release soon.
Sign up to be notified when it's available for free download.
The time has come to welcome home our fighting men and women.
A gift is being prepared to help welcome them home.
Anxiety is a constant companion for many who have spent time in a combat zone. After months of living in a constantly changing, often threatening environment, your mind and body is often reeling from the stress.
Months of constant alertness have taken a toll, and it’s difficult to let down your guard. It’s tough to relax and reconnect with family and friends.
How do you reintegrate back into your family life?
How do you overcome the stress of a combat tour?
Combat affects our veterans long after the bullets have stopped flying. The physical battles may be over after returning home from war, but the mental ones are just beginning.
Not everyone is diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), but most still carry anxiety and stress around with them.
Studies show that a third of soldiers returning from Iraq sought mental health services. The demand for services is greater than the supply. Long waiting lists are common.
This is a place to share your story, and to find help where needed.
Do you feel tense, angry, or depressed?
Are you “on edge” much of the time?
Do you have trouble sleeping?
Do you have memories that bother you?
The new Reintegration Program is designed to help you:
Reduce your levels of anxiety and fear.
Increase your emotional control and decrease inappropriate aggressiveness
Desensitize yourself to traumatic memories.
Smoothly rejoin your life at home.
This professionally designed program will be ready for release soon.
Sign up to be notified when it's available for free download.
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