Posted on Jan 21, 2015
Sgt Branden W.
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Thcazui2cz
My wife recently asked why I prefer the quiet of the National Forest land behind my house to the warmth and comforts of home... rain or shine. I didn't really have an answer for her. She tends to look at my "escapes" as she calls it, in a negative light. I look at it as my off the books therapy.

No I'm not officially diagnosed with PTS, many say I should head to the VA... that's another story. Yes I did a combat deployment to Afghanistan's Oruzgan Province in 2003. I self medicate. There are times where I find myself extremely frustrated with the day to day activities in a house with 2 kids and a dog. 6-8 miles later, stomping through the woods, I'm healed. My head is clear, short fuze has been lengthened. . .

So I ask you RP Community, what's your unofficial therapy? What centers you?

My hope is to share techniques that work for some, so that others can benefit as well.
Posted in these groups: Therapy logo TherapyPerform to serve navy career wise training presentation transcript 34614 PTS78568930 PTSD
Edited 11 y ago
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Responses: 108
SPC Michael Johnson
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woodworking
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TSgt David L.
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Us bike pikes3 %282%29
I get on one of my Harleys and do some miles. Doesn't matter where, I just go.
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CPT Bob Moore
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Here are a couple of painting examples.... The first isn't done yet. I'm still learning, but it helps.
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SSgt Dan Montague
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I'm not really good at it, but being alone in the garage working on a wood project. It's calming to craft something with my hands.
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SFC Assistant Operations Sergeant
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Running and cycling. Even if I have my daughter of the back of my bike after 10 miles it does matter anymore. I also have "mental health days" when the when exercise is not working. I just stay home on a day I know my husband has a lot going on and I just relax and read book that have nothing to do with the army. That help my reset button. I used to take them more often but now I may take one every six months. Is it enough may or maybe not. My husband is retired so we both understand the importance of me time, family time, adult time and us time . My family thinks of it as selfish to be like this but we make it work. I know when my husband needs me time because he spends entirely to much time in the garage tinkering on things. I will look at him and say get out of the house and do something we will be fine without you for 1 day, I promise there is a pizza someplace I won't burn.

It is nice when we can reboot and appreciate what we have. Thanks for sharing your reboots!
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SGT Team Leader
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Up early walking in the woods is my therapy. Nothing better than watching the sun come up. Mostly quiet with only the rustling of nature.
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Sgt Branden W.
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Kudos to all who responded. Thank you
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SPC Larry Buck
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My unofficial therapy is when affordable fried chicken, like crack damn it!!!, but mainly we are same bud ,I can't sleep a lot and in a house less comfortable then my drivers hole AKA the Ford P.O.S. I got ,need a better one soon but its my walk in the woods ,you suffer no syndrome as in 'NO' room, 'NO' memory's, etc. Loss of existing added to standard stress of 'normal' life you and me and others suffer the loss of freedom... And the medicine is freedom I often sleep in my s@$$pile ,because several reasons but I'm a tank driver!! I gotta sleep somewhere!! And thru damn near anything!! Got a great sleeping bag too, freaking 15° outside I'm toasty warm... Like sweet - chicken fried cold beer on a Friday night ...
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