Posted on Jan 21, 2015
What is your unofficial or self-prescribed therapy?
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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.
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.
Therapy
PTS
PTSD
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 108
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Mine is usually strapping some weight in the ruck and heading over the nature trails in the national park. It's quiet and peaceful. I can zone out. Nothing but the squeaking of my ruck and the footfalls of my boots or shoes on the sandy trail. The more I sweat, the more tension I feel leaving me.
Just me and nature, and peace.
Just me and nature, and peace.
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I have a few activities to decompress. A lot which have been mentioned. Riding my motorcycle, hunting, range time. I talk to my service animal Selina. She can always seem to make me laugh. What seems to work the best for me is volunteering at various veteran organizations such as Dog Tags Niagara, where we (veterans) rehibilitate shelter dogs for adoption. There is something to be said for animal therapy and hanging with like minded individuals.
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Horseback riding whenever I get the chance. My therapists noticed a HUGE shift in character when I started lessons. When riding, I have to focus on constantly communicating with a 1200lb animal. If the anxiety starts kicking in, he'll slow down, stop, and wait. Cloud isn't even a therapy horse - just a lazy bum that doesn't want to work in the arena, yet VERY aware of his rider's emotions.
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Im with you on that one.. when things start getting crazy the first place I go is the forest. There it seems is the only place I can find true peace. Some days I literaly think about stepping out on a trail and never turning back.
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Getting away from people. I was screwed up before I served and got screwed up worse while in. I was bullied growing up and bullied in the Navy, even had a couple of death threats. To this day I can only handle people in doses, even my wife and kids, who are wonderfully forgiving. I did eventually did get help.
My therapy long walks, hikes, drives, my dogs and my noise canceling headphones.
My therapy long walks, hikes, drives, my dogs and my noise canceling headphones.
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SPC Larry Buck
Try going to a near by parking lot and crash for the night getting a good sleeping bag (crappy Walmart had a sleeping bag that was registered for down to zero degrees, $30 got it toasty warm.. And being out but secure is there too, it have trouble in doors normal word is cabin fever but after the experience of being out like bivwaks causes PTSD symptoms by the memory trigger in dopamine ..make since?
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PV2 Violet Case
I would just go on a camping trip or sit around by the forest areas no phone on or people. Just listen to the wind the wild life and talk to God.
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My escape has been academics (studying and writing). I like running but I'm not a fan of the thermostat lately.
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Great question. Glad to see what others have tried. I said more, but I deleted it too. Good luck in how you cope.
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MSG (Join to see)
deleted what i wanted to say again. sometimes, you just can say what's on your mind. sometimes, your big mouth says things that get bent and twisted. even if for good reason. i deal with my demons different than others.
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Exercise. Whatever type, whatever location, just get that heart rate up for awhile. Exercise is relief in many ways.
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