SHARYL'S PERSONAL BLOG - UKRAINE WAR 2023 PTSD
Feb 24 2022 - "Many world leaders and seasoned military, defence and geopolitical observers were expecting Ukraine's defence to collapse swiftly in the face of Russia's vastly superior manpower, firepower and airpower. The experts were subsequently caught off-guard by the determination and professionalism of Ukraine's military, and by its early victories against a brutal antagonist.
There are many reasons explaining Ukraine's survival. They start with the palpable rage that has united Ukrainians — a visceral anger that only grows with each new atrocity, each indiscriminate missile attack taking innocent lives. The Ukrainians now have momentum and the free world is right beside them.
The Russian army itself is a failure. With their ill-prepared soldiers, uncoordinated units, snarled logistics and a habit of combining over-confidence with a lack of competence, Russian army commanders have bungled their war to a degree that has been as astonishing as the Ukrainians' performance has been inspiring." CBC News
PTSD
#UKRAINE WILL WIN. I think the world collectively knows that a victory is imminent for Ukraine. But what happens after the war or even on the battlefield, when soldiers, medics and civilians have witnessed some of the worst atrocities that mankind can drum up. The Russian approach to war led to some of the most brutal war crimes ever imaginable. This kind of trauma doesn't just disappear. When the war ends, the mental anguish begins. PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I prefer to call it "Please Take Some Downtime."
One can google PTSD and there is a lot of science and data around PTSD, but it is essentially the body's response to continually operating under "fight or flight" mode. Our "fight or flight" mechanism is not meant to be turned on 24/7. But during war, this is what is happening. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include; anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self-blame, self-anger, and problems with sleeping,"
- I am not a psychotherapist, but I was raised by one. Here's what I do know. Alot of people who suffer from PTSD, not only from war but other traumatic events in their lifetime feel trapped within themselves, unable to communicate what is going on. Their minds are virtual prisons. But I can tell you that the mind and the body work together, and there are specific exercises you can accomplish even on the battlefield! Because PTSD can occur in the middle of an exercise....
Here are some ways you can talk to both your mind and your body during PTSD:
BREATHING:
Pay attention to your breathing. Is is shallow or deep? Breathe in and out SLOWLY. Deep breath relaxes muscle tension and feeds the brain. The body and the mind are now starting to work together. When you are in this balance, your ability to make quick, accurate decisions in battle drastically increases
SELF TALK:
Use this technique any time, but remember that reaching out to friends, family and military professionals is absolutely necessary to manage PTSD. Keeping it hidden is not a solution.
EXAMPLES OF SELF TALK:
1. Acknowledge PTSD if you are experiencing it: "This is PTSD. I acknowledge it. I am also in the middle of battle. So I will put you, PTSD, in my pocket for now, because I have a task to do. Then I will breathe. Then I will do my task. However, I will deal with you later."
2. I have just witnessed unimaginable death. I am directing my body to do its job and continue into battle, even though I recognize that I am also experiencing PTSD. My training will carry me for now. I will address my mind later. I am committed to bringing my body and my mind back into balance.
MORNING and EVENING MEDITATIONS
Social media (specifically You Tube) have great meditational videos that you can listen to or follow that help relax your mind and body at night, and help prepare you in the morning for the day that is ahead of you. You can also create your own meditation in the form of writing something that you can repeat to yourself when you feel that you are slipping into PTSD. For example:
" I am facing the enemy and everything feels far away. I can't seem to focus. So I am asking my body to make peace with my mind, just for this moment, and allow me to do my work. I promise to deal with this. This is a promise to myself, for my well-being. Nurture my spirit. Nurture my soul."
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THAT IS ALL FOR NOW! This is my first Blog. I welcome suggestions, ideas, criticisms (please be kind). I will be installing a request for Ukrainian Army donations section in my next blog and as well there will be a place for comments where readers are encouraged to also chat with each other. Stay connected! Stay Safe! Remember to breathe!
Sharyl Hudson
shudsonmuir@gmail.com
SLAVA UKRAINI !!!!
