Every Single Day

Every single day I go to work.

Every single day I deal with challenges.

Every single day I return safely home.

There are exceptions, but they are rare. Like last week, I didn't return safely home like I normally do. I got in my car, started up, and backed out. Just as I was shifting into drive to move out, I noticed it. Dark, Shining and wet... My car had left a puddle of oil.

I park in the same spot at home each day, so I knew that my car wasn't in the habit of dropping oil everywhere...

I immediately drove to the auto service shop on the base, and had the car put up on a lift.

A blown seal was the diagnosis, and the repairs would cost several hundred dollars.

I considered driving home, but envisioned myself with a seized engine on the middle of the freeway holding up thousands of angry commuters... I took the metro instead... And eventually got home safely, but much later than I intended.

How's this relate to trauma or PTSD? Think about it:

Just like an oil leak can drain an engine, struggling with trauma and anxiety each and every day can slowly allow the will to live to disappear. When you lose hope and you lose faith each day, the struggles become more intense. Eventually, you may "seize up" and become unable to function at all.

Adding oil to a leaking engine only delays the inevitable. Though it may keep things running for a while, you'll leave a messy trail behind you as the leak gets worse.

Many veterans are trying to "add oil" and ease their pains by drinking or doing drugs. Unfortunately, "self-medicating" doesn't lead to permanent change or relief. It becomes self destructive.

The only real "cure" is to do what needs to be done.

Fix what needs to be fixed, even if it's expensive or inconvenient. In the case of severe PTSD, it may require proper medications, counseling, therapy, and even a hospital stay.

For less severe cases, it could be learning some simple coping techniques, and learning how to feel safe at home again.

That's the goal of the Reintegration Program: To help our veterans feel welcome and safe at home.

A few of us will be on the mall in Washington DC this Saturday to hug some veterans and thank them for their service. I've started another site, www.freehugsforvets.com to share the message throughout the country.

We want to welcome our vets home with open arms.

Every Single Day.

To your healing!

Mike