I have had the unfortunate and fortunate opportunity to meet many civilians and veterans with PTSD. Being amongst them was positive in the sense I was able to interact and learn from them to include various steps or actions that facilitated healing. I will go over what I observed:
- Make an honest assessment of yourself. If you believe or think your life is spinning out of control, then seek help. Maybe your spouse can paint the picture for you. Some people have a can-do attitude and feel they can "fix" themselves. Unfortunately, some of these people will crash and burn before they seek help. Let's prevent that.
- This especially applies to people with severe PTSD. When life seems infinitely unbearable and you feel like giving up, don't give up. Become stoic and keep walking forward one step at a time. You can go on walks. Perhaps you can find a big project that you can endeavor in every day. You need to keep moving.
If you have suicidal ideations, then get a piece of paper out and write down all the points of contacts for people and organizations that can help you when you feel like giving up. Keep the paper in your wallet. Keep fighting and never throw in the towel.
- Look at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. You must take care of yourself physically and be safe. Those are the foundations that must be achieved for further healing and growing. I call them "Infantry Skills". Stay focused on these skills.
- Sometimes the mind is full of negativity like a repeating circle. Let's break this cycle and reduce the depression. Talk to yourself about who you love and who loves you. Say good things about yourself. Become more positive.
- Relationships. I have witnessed many divorces. The younger the couple, the greater chance for divorce. I suggest that couples conduct a "Meeting of the Minds." Sit down and set the ground rules - keep it civil and non-accusatory. The couple should discuss how they feel, solutions, goals, and treatment plan.
- Aggie Therapist is proposing a forum for a group. Become a member. Groups can provide synergy because the cross talk can help people connect the dots due to different perspectives.
- If you have passions, then continue indulging in them even if the fire is gone. It will help you stay busy, and the fire might return.
- At stop signs you need to look forward, left, and right. PTSD can jack with the perspective you have about the world in front of you. For example, a person might feel angry at the world and think behaving in a matter that is caustic is acceptable. Therefore, perhaps you should look twice instead of just once before you do or say something.
- If you like listening to music then do it.
- Start or commit to a workout routine. It will help you feel better and keep you busy in a good way.
- There is no shame in asking for sleeping meds if you can't get enough sleep or have insomnia. Sleep is very important for your health.
-Seek help and mentoring. The fight against PTSD is not easy, but it's worth it. Give it your best shot. Ride out the storm. One day you will find placid waters.
- Researchers believe around 40% of people who have PTSD also have a chemical addiction. The combination of the two makes healing significantly more difficult.
- Guilt is a wasted emotion. If guilt is an anchor in your life, cut the chains to it.
- Anxiety: Imagine you are at a pistol range and targets pop up simultaneously. They are stressors. What is the firing pattern? You shoot the closest one first, then to the second closest. Prioritize your stressors instead of being overwhelmed by all the stressors at one time.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 
