Secondary Trauma is real

CPT Richard Riley — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 07:24:23 -0400

So many of us scan the boards and reach out in any way we are capable to all members who ask for help. We need to be cognizant that we are all human, that we need to care for ourselves so we have the energy, vitality, and stamina to help our fellow members. We are not invincible like we believed at sixteen years old. We have witnessed all too often that life is fragile and can be lost due to no logical reason, but just happens. We cannot control and predict all the issues that happen around us.

If a gentle reminder and soft nudge moves you to pause in your day and assess your own wellbeing then I have accomplished my goal for this moment. We do not leave anyone behind and we give 110% to keep everyone on a straight path. My challenge for you is to be aware that secondary trauma is real. With that, we need to reconcile with ourselves that we will ‘practice what we preach’, take care of ourselves and make sure we are in the best mental condition possible so we are not compromised as we spend a tremendous amount of strength and energy helping those team members who ask.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Aug 5 at 2014 7:54 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 07:54:43 -0400

Well said, CPT Richard Riley! Thanks for the reminder to keep tabs on each other and offer support!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 1:45 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 13:45:01 -0400

I was in foster care till 6 years old, then moved in with mom, and step-dad. It was a domestic violence/alcoholic home. When I was 8, I was molested, and mom swept it under the carpet. I developed P.T.S.D., and being in the military made it worse. Secondary Trauma is real! GOD, and my wonderful wife is helping me deal with it.