LIVING WITH PTSD
Image Source: Sydney Rae (Unsplash)
"We are so good at what our weaknesses are. If we can live in our strengths, that's the best we can do." - Dr. Kamin Samuel.
Since my diagnosis of PTSD in 2014, I have become a staunch mental health and peer support advocate. I have spoken at peer support conferences and as a guest on mental health and military podcasts, but mainly through my writing in several iterations of this blog. There is a stigma (often self-imposed) surrounding mental health. I have always stated and will continue to state, that education is the foundation for destigmatization - this is why I do what I do. Today, I am turning the reins over to another fellow first responder to share her story.
I listened to an episode of the What's Your Twenty podcast earlier this week. The host and mental health advocate, Emily Zufelt (a 20-year veteran of the Canadian police and 911 services), shared an interview about her healing journey. Her message is clear- even though a person may be in recovery, they can have setbacks along the way. It is part of the human experience and posttraumatic growth.
I am sharing the link to this interview and encourage you to listen to what it is like living with PTSD, depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health issues. It will be worth forty-five minutes of your time to gain better insight. Her journey will give you a better awareness and open the door to converse with others who are struggling. You can start a conversation with the following question, "Sit down my friend and tell me a story." You may never know where it will lead. Until next time-
Namaste,
Tim
Interview with Emily Zufelt
Once you click the link below, click the arrow above the podcast title to start the interview.