The Only Four Letters: Anonymous PTSD Narratives

LaShawn sits down with an active duty US Army Sergeant First Class as he shares his personal tips for managing and thriving with PTSD. Having had a diagnosis for over a decade, this service member overcame alcohol abuse and got the help he needed to build a life that he is extremely proud of. He touches on the importance of community, therapy, and the sharing of information and resources as well as how all of these factors play a part in his effective leadership as he continues to serve this country. This interview will be helpful for anyone wondering if therapy is the right option, or who may need to hear that there is hope--even after the diagnosis--for a bright future.

     LaShawn sits down with a survivor of multiple rapes--one of which resulted in pregnancy--from as early as age 9.  She discusses overcoming rejection, shame, and a feeling of disgrace from having been violated in this way. She will unpack the stigma surrounding rape, rape culture, and cultural shortcomings within her race in regards to acceptance.       Having been unsupported by family, she had to live with this painful secret through adulthood, where the symptoms of PTSD eventually made their way to the surface. She also became pregnant as a result of one of the violations, and chose to give birth. The decision has been painful in many ways. After enduring an abusive relationship, she found love and decided to get professional help. She candidly  embraces the use of pharmaceutical medicines to assist her with coping. This heroine credits acceptance, faith, love, and therapy with aiding her in her healing. 

LaShawn sits down with Vernard Hines aka The Laugh Therapist, who is also a retired US Army Veteran diagnosed with PTSD. He shares his emotional battle in overcoming a failed marriage, the intent to commit suicide, and his advice to fellow service-members about seeking therapy and starting over. Vernard was able to integrate his family into his therapy, find love again in his supportive wife, and use his gift--comedy--as an outlet to heal himself, heal others, and create a platform for awareness. For more information about The Laugh Therapist, including bookings, please go to www.thelaughtherapist.com.

LaShawn sits down with a US Army Veteran of nearly 4 years who was medically retired after receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. He actually didn't (want to) claim to have PTSD, and felt that his symptoms were mild compared to others--however in receiving treatment and talking with friends and family, he realized that there was a potential need to address PTSD as an issue in his life. This veteran is extremely candid about having lost acquaintances to suicide, overcoming feelings of guilt and being a burden, as well as the importance of balance and seeking help before it is too late. He discusses the challenge of coping with his coexisting condition (MS) in addition to traditional symptoms of PTSD. The veteran touches on the importance of balance, the role that fatherhood has played in keeping him motivated, and how critical it is to separate from the military with realistic expectations for civilian life.

LaShawn sits down with 2 US Army veterans with 25+ years combined service as they share their experiences, the long-lasting effects they still deal with, the unbreakable bonds that shared combat forms, and the growth they have experienced with acceptance and seeking professional help. These two men have served in combat deployments individually and together. They have both had to deal with hardships as a result of the trauma they experienced but each has received professional help, and they touch on the growth they have seen in themselves.

LaShawn sits down with a former US Marine Corporal as he candidly describes his experience with PTSD-related blackouts/panic attacks, and how self-awareness and the support of his girlfriend help him to cope. He explores the issue of denial, silence between battle buddies about dealing with PTSD, and touches on attempts at therapy.

LaShawn sits down with a retired US Army veteran as he shares his preference for isolation, feelings of being misunderstood, and the daily pain and anxiety of PTSD. This interview ended prematurely, out of consideration, as the conversation became extremely emotional. Even with all that we managed to discuss, it was deeply moving and thought-provoking.