Freedom from PTSD

Hey y’all! I cannot believe it’s 4th of July!!!! That means only a little bit till my favorite seasons, fall and winter. Also it’s a day we here in America consider an extmely important day for our country. If you are not aware, On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain. FREEDOM!!!!!

Although the Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion that "all Men are created equal," is equally beloved by the American people. Even though all people are not treated equal, we still claim equality in this country. The freedom that we gained from great Britain is how we established what is now, the United States of America. As difficult as it may be some times to see the equality, and such crazy times as we live today, I still look at that word freedom with a shit ton of respect.

free·dom

/ˈfrēdəm/: noun

1. the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

so says Webster. However, during this holiday, it can be a very difficult time for people to remain free from their stress and triggers. Personally, my PTSD is not triggered often by loud noises, or bright lights. It can get to be too much for me sometimes and I just have to walk away. Yet but I have come to understand and research is it’s one of the most debilitating days for a lot of people, especially our veterans.

I have an amazing friend and colleague, named Damien, who is a veteran. I know how difficult it can be because of the close relationship I have with this friend. It can cause nightmares, suppressed thought, and, intrusive, mindset, not to mention a number of triggers that don’t come about until they are present in the moment. So I figured I would do a little research and dedicate this blog to him.

Love you D.

PTSD affects people who have experienced a traumatic or frightening event such as military conflict, natural disasters, or other similar situations. These symptoms may occur spontaneously or be triggered by anything that reminds the person of their traumatic experience. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fourth of July fireworks can trigger anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). VA doctors state that fireworks can cause anything from a startle to a full-blown panic attack or combat flashback in vulnerable individuals. They even recommend using noise-cancelling headphones as a way to mitigate the effects of sudden and loud noises.

I find it easiest, to be kind to myself, and respect the way I react to my trauma. And situations of crowds, celebration, and really being in the public eye at any time it can become more difficult. I have made a list of helpful tips to use this holiday. I hope they are fruitful for all of my readers, even if you’re not a veteran.

Help push back the PTSD :

1.Research Firework Displays Ahead of Time

Find out about festivals, parades, and firework shows near you. This can help you prepare for and cope with loud sounds, although you can never fully prepare for everything. Knowing the location of the source of loud sounds and flashes of light can help reduce anxiety for some.

2.Relax Away from Fireworks

Consider visiting relatives or friends who live in suburban areas, where fireworks are less common, to take a break and recuperate.

3.Practice Mindfulness

Use breathing techniques, sit with yourback against a wall, or meditate to reduce anxiety and flashbacks. Another option is to keep a rubber band around your wrist and snap it when you feel overwhelmed.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

Remember that you can't always control your reactions or emotions, so be patient and accepting with yourself.

5.Focus on Self-Care

Try activities that make you happy and boost your mood, such as using helpful apps, watching a funny movie, taking a hot bath, or laughing.

Personally, I will probably avoid fireworks, practice, self-care with my Doggo, because Noah Grace does not like fireworks. I will then eat some things I love…

The menu for Fourth of July at my dads house is pretty great if you ask me, it’s full of easy cooler recipes that you don’t have to use an oven for…

Wonder.FIXX Freedom Menu

• Hebrew National Kosher all beef franks(served with buns, ketchup, mustard and relish)

• Red baked potato salad (sour cream & Mayo)

• Bacon ranch pasta salad (bacon bits , ranch & Mayo)

• Bourbon and brown sugar, and baked beans(Bush’s)

• Lightly salted Lays chips

• Lightly sweetened ice tea

• Dads strawberry shortcake ( Dads way, I’ll explain later)

• BOMB PODS!!!!! (C’mon it’s the 4th)

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Sounds tasty.. it should be a really good time. I’m not putting all the recipes because they’re super basic and you can pretty much make them however, you want. All you need is red potatoes for the potato salad and a good pasta for the pasta salad. My dad has made super sweet strawberry syrup from strawberries since I was a little girl. He buys that short cakes at the grocery that are in the plastic package that come in a half dozen, and we use a ton of Redi whip and Cool Whip. I’m the Reddi whip person, I actually like to make my own whip cream, but that can be a little bit much sometimes and I’m not always up for it depending on my energy level.

I will probably do some laying by the pool, and head inside once it gets dark, so I can chill out with the puppers.

May each, and everyone of you have a extremely liberating holiday, practice, self-care, and understanding of not only yourself, but others. Take time to realize that not everyone is as free as we are, we are privileged to be in a place where we can be who we want to be as long as we know who we are, and are brave enough to do so.

As always, I love you for reading

Be well

Wonder