Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 23, 2021

A drug addict, a drunk and a homeless man were alone, lost and lonely. Then someone came to invite them to get soaked in the rain. That was probably the only invitation they had in years. The featured video today is Michael Smith, Healing Rain. I bet you thought that was going to be a joke.

Because the pandemic hit only a few months after we moved to New Hampshire, we didn't know too many people. It was really hard being isolated and not knowing our way around. The blessing was, our daughter was already here, which is why we moved. Some friends we had many years lived fairly close and they made it easier, making sure we got out of the house and spent time with them.

We were lucky but too many were not. When you are lonely, your mind takes over, and most of the time, not in a good way. Sad and lonely, you can end up telling yourself that no one wants you around. You look back at your life and all the times you felt like an outcast become stronger than the memories of when you felt as if you belonged somewhere. You may know you need help, but sooner or later you end up telling yourself you are not worth helping.

Then someone comes along to let you know you are worth their time and they offer you hope.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy

Psalm 107:2

The enemy is no longer what caused PTSD, but it is PTSD trying to take over the rest of your life. When you have it, you feel like an outcast. Lost, hopeless and not worth helping, you give up on others because you gave up on yourself. The thing is, the others who have healed, know exactly what that feels like for you, because they went through it too. 

I was with Point Man International Ministries for years until I started to work with survivors from all causes. They are veterans and work with veterans and their families. Way back in 1984 they figured out that healing had to be done with treating the whole veteran. Their mind, their body and above all, their spirit, needed care. They knew this because they had suffered too. They were lost, lonely and felt like outcast too. Some had turned to drugs, alcohol, and some tried to end their own lives, but they were helped by others who knew exactly what it felt like on both sides of healing. They were there to show the way to get to the better side of it.

Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous work the same way...someone knows what it is like to be struggling alone, but they know what it was like when someone came along and helped them heal.

There are groups all over the country doing the work with other survivors and you can find them by just doing a Google search for PTSD, whatever caused yours, and spiritual support. The thing is, if you try one but find they are not a good match for what you believe, then find another group. Keep looking until you find one to fill your soul, not try to convert it.

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

Healing Rain

Michael W. Smith

Healing rain is coming down

It's coming nearer to this old town.

Rich and poor, weak and strong

It's bringing mercy, it won't be long.

Healing rain is coming down

It's coming closer to the lost and found.

Tears of joy and tears of shame

Are washed forever in Jesus' name.

Healing rain, it comes with fire

So let it fall and take us higher.

Healing rain, I'm not afraid

To be washed in Heaven's rain.

Lift your heads, let us return

To the mercy seat where time began.

And in your eyes I see the pain.

Come soak this dry heart with healing rain.

And only you, the Son of Man

Can take a leper and let him stand.

So lift your hands, they can be held

By someone greater, the Great I Am.

Healing rain, it comes with fire

So let it fall and take us higher.

Healing rain, I'm not afraid

To be washed in Heaven's rain.

To be washed in Heaven's rain.

Healing rain is falling down,

Healing rain is falling down,

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Healing rain is falling down,

Healing rain is falling down,

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Healing rain is falling down,

Healing rain is falling down,

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Healing rain is falling down,

Healing rain is falling down,

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Healing rain is falling down,

Healing rain is falling down,

I'm not afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Martin Smith / Matthew Bronleewe / Michael Smith

Healing Rain lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, BMG Rights Management

Michael W. Smith - Healing Rain (Official Music Video)

Encourage healing #PTSD, not drinking

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 21, 2021

Did you know there is a difference between corruption and encouragement? Corruption is when you try to get someone to do something evil, wrong, bad for them or to go against what they believe. Encouragement is when you try to get someone to do something tat is good for them, something that will benefit them, especially when they want to give up.

If you have a friend dealing with PTSD, taking them out to a bar to drink their troubles away, is borderline corruption. Wanting them to get out of their isolation and off the couch, is a good thing but that is to where they should go to. Alcohol is a depressant and that is the last thing they need. It may make you feel more comfortable than taking them out for a cup of coffee and spend time with them that way, but this is supposed to be about them...not you.

More often than not, the person with PTSD survived something you may never understand and you may feel uncomfortable listing to them. It is way more uncomfortable if they lose their fight and end the battle by their own hands. Maybe they were the first or second person they called after it happened. You were there in the beginning but there before it. You know them. You'll be one of the first people to see the change in them but most of the time you don't know what it means. You won't until you spend time listening to them.

Do more listening than talking. Remember you are doing this for them. If you don't know what to say when they stop talking, then just put your arm on their shoulder, or nod your head. Don't look away from them or talk about something to fill up the quiet minutes. They may be struggling to find the right words or the courage to say what they need to.

This is why the featured video today is for King And Country, Fight On Fighter. Encouragement is a gift you give that can change a life for the better.

“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson (Goodreads)

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Fight On, Fighter

for KING And COUNTRY

I was there on the day that you were changed

You were scared and prepared for the heartbreak

Everything you knew faded out of view

Stole a piece of you

If I could, oh, I would be a hero

Be the one who would take all the arrows

Save you from the pain, carry all the weight

But I know that you're brave

Fight on, fighter

Don't let anyone steal your fire

Fight on, fighter

The Spirit is alive inside ya, yeah

There's a part that you hold that you lock down

Let it breathe, give it wings, set it free now

Time to make ya walk, break the prison bars

Show them who you are

Fight on, fighter

Don't let anyone steal your fire

Fight on, fighter

The Spirit is alive inside ya, yeah

Stronger than you than you ever thought

I know you're stronger

Braver than you were before

You know you're braver

Oh, no, you don't have to be afraid

Together we'll face it

So don't ever stop no matter what

'Cause you're gonna make it

Fight on, fighter

Don't let anyone steal your fire

Fight on, fighter

The Spirit is alive inside ya, yeah

Fight on, fighter

Don't let anyone steal your fire

Fight on, fighter

The Spirit is alive inside ya, yeah

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Ben Backus / Ben Glover / Joel David Smallbone / Luke Smallbone / Mark Campbell / Tedd Tjornhom Fight On, Fighter lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Mike Curb Music 

Miracles don't come from nowhere

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 20, 2021

When you pray for something, and your prayers are answered, do you actually understand that God did it? Do you know how God answers prayers? He doesn't just snap His fingers to deliver it. He tries to use other people to give what you ask for. When it is something you need to do on your own, He does it by guiding you to find what you need to. If your prayers are not being answered, you may end up blaming God, when it was not His fault.

Have you ever thought about someone all of a sudden and had an urge to call them? If you do, you discover they needed someone to talk to. You were used to answer their prayers. How many times have you shrugged off the urge and found out something horrible happened to them, and you wished you had followed through on making the call?

Miracles happen all the time but most of the time we don't acknowledge them. We don't understand how God uses regular people all the time because they were willing to listen to Him and act on it. Somehow we end up claiming the miracle came out of nowhere.

The fact you have PTSD because you survived whatever caused PTSD to hit you, is a miracle itself. I've had over 10 of them. To me, it wasn't just surviving it, it was also the people who came to help me after it happened. It was holding onto my faith and letting it help heal me. It was the people who studied trauma and wrote about it long before I even knew it existed, and helped me understand it.

Over all these years, I've saved a lot of lives that you will never know about. It isn't my job to tell their stories or share anything I've done. It is, and was, my job to learn, understand, and be there to help them heal too. 

They prayed for help. I prayed to be of help to them. They followed being guided to me and I responded, or they read what I was guided to write. Their prayers were answered and so were mine.

The fact you found this site is a miracle itself because when I started on my older site, there were not many people doing this work. Now it is crowded and they managed to use social media to promote their sites. 

While I admit I am a bit jealous of them, the goal was to change the outcome and help people heal. I could overcome that jealousy because they are reaching more people than I ever could.

I remember what it was like when I just started to learn about all of this in 1982. I was lost and felt all alone. We didn't have computers back then, so I had to go to the library to learn. When I finally discovered that I was not alone, it was a miracle to me. Still the people who wrote the books I learned from will never know how much they helped me or the others I helped over the years, or the others they helped.

Is God asking you to deliver a miracle or leading you to find what you are looking for?

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Miracles Out Of Nowhere

Kansas

On a crystal morning I can see the dewdrops falling

Down from a gleaming heaven, I can hear the voices call

When you comin' home now, son, the world is not for you

Tell me what's your point of view

Hey there Mister Madman, what'cha know that I don't know

Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show

Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away

Tell me what made you that way

Here I am just waiting for a sign

Asking questions, learning all the time

It's always here, it's always there

It's just love, and miracles out of nowhere

Tell me now dear mother, what's it like to be so old

Children grown and leavin', seems the world is growin' cold

And though your body's ailin' you

Your mind is just like new

Tell me where you're goin' to

Here I am just waiting for a sign

Asking questions, learning all the time

It's always here, it's always there

It's just love, and miralces out of nowhere

It's so simple right before your eyes

If you'll look through this disguise

It's always here, it's always there

It's just love and miracles out of nowhere

I sang this song a hundred, maybe a thousand years ago

No one ever listens, I just play and then I go

Off into the sunset like the western heroes do

Tell me what you're gonna do

Here I am, I'm sure to see a sign

All my life I knew that it was mine

It's always here, it's always there

It's just love and miracles out of nowhere

Flash Lyrics 

If you need to see them perform,,,,

The pep talk you need to give "you"

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 19, 2021

When I was young, I was a jock...and a klutz. Never a good combination but I loved to do several things. My favorite was swimming. I swam a mile a night, then worked at the YMCA as a lifeguard. I remember listening to a swim coach giving his pep talk to the opposing team.

He looked every single one of them in the eye and said things to them, they ended up telling themselves.

If you have someone telling you they believe in you, then you end up believing in yourself. Isn't it time for you to start doing it because you do believe you can?

Tell yourself you can heal PTSD and then you'll find a way to do it. There is an abundance of resources online for you to find and in your own community. 

Listen to the video for today and then listen to the featured video by Des'ree You Got To Be.

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

You Gotta Be

Des'ree 

Listen as your day unfolds

Challenge what the future holds

Try and keep your head up to the sky

Lovers, they may cause you tears

Go ahead, release your fears

Stand up and be counted

Don't be ashamed to cry

You gotta be

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together

All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Herald what your mother said

Read the books your father read

Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time

Some may have more cash than you

Others take a different view

My oh my, eh, eh, eh

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together

All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Time asks no questions, it goes on without you

Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace

The world keeps on spinning

Can't stop it if you tried to

The best part is danger staring you in the face, oh

Remember, listen as your day unfolds

Challenge what the future holds

Try and keep your head up to the sky

Lovers, they may cause you tears

Go ahead release your fears

My oh my, eh, eh, eh

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together

All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Yeah, yeah, yeah

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together

All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Yeah-yeah

Got to be bold

Got to be bad

Got to be wise

Do what others say

Got to be hard

Not too too hard

All I know is love will save the day

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Des'ree Weekes / Ashley Ingram

You Gotta Be lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. 

we will get by we will survive

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 18, 2021

This morning I had a tune in my head and just a few words of a song, "we will get by we will survive."
At first I thought it was the name of the song. Apparently, a lot of people must have thought the same thing beause when I used Google to search for it, it had a differnt name. Touch Of Grey by Grateful Dead came up.

I didn't remember who sang it, but I rememberd how that song made me feel. I didn't remember the lyrics, other than that simple message about surviving, but I remember how it changed my frame of mind.

We tend to do that as simple humans. We may not remember who gave us hope when we needed it, but we remember how it felt to feel it again. We may not remember what someone said that changed our day, but the next time we see that person, we smile. We may not even remember how many people came to help us survive what caused PTSD, but we sure do remember what it was like when help showed up when we needed it the most.

When you watch the video, there is a something in it that reminded me of what it can be like living with PTSD. Without giving the video away, during their concert, they change from being one way, into another, and then back to the way they were before. Having PTSD can be like that too. You go from life as you knew it, to changing and maybe feeling like you're not totally alive. Maybe you need to hide your pain? But when you heal, you go back to enjoying life again. Much like the crowd enjoyed seeing their faces.

You can deliver a message of doom and gloom to others or you can give them one of "we will get by...we will survive" and then help them get there. My bet is you'll take the second option because you not only remember how they felt, you also remember what it was like to find hope and heal!

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Touch of Grey

Grateful Dead

Must be getting early clocks are running late

Faint light of the morning sky looks so phony

Dawn is breaking everywhere

Light a candle curse the glare

Draw the curtains I don't care 'cause it's alright

I will get by I will get by

I will get by I will survive

I see you've got your fist out say your piece and get out

Yes I get the gist of it but it's alright

Sorry that you feel that way the only there is to say

Every silver lining's got a touch of grey

I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive

It's a lesson to me the eagles and the beggars and the seas

The ABC's we all must face try to keep a little grace

It's a lesson to me the deltas and the east and the freeze

The ABC's we all think of and try to win a little love

I know the rent is in arrears the dog has not been fed in years

It's even worse than it appears but it's alright

Cow's giving kerosene, kid can't read at seventeen

The words he knows are all obscene but it's alright

I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive

The shoe is on the hand that fits, there's really nothing much to it

Whistle through your teeth and spit 'cause it's alright

Oh well a touch of grey kinda suits you anyway

And that was all I had to say and it's alright

I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive

We will get by we will get by we will get by we will survive

We will get by we will get by we will get by we will survive

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Jerome J. Garcia / Robert C. Christie Hunter

Touch of Grey lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc 

"It's like a different way of living now"

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 17, 2021

"Can't you feel a brand new day?" That is how it feels to heal. A brand new day! Today the featured video is from the WIZ, A Brand New Day with Diana Ross.  When you survived whatever caused PTSD to hit you, you had a brand new day, but maybe it wasn't a happy one. I know it wasn't for me because I had a lot of things I had to deal with afterwards. Mostly, I was questioning why I survived. The thing is, I did heal and rejoiced when that better brand new day came. So can you.

In the end of this video, the factory workers are taking off their masks. It is time for you to do it too. If you feel as if you have had to hide what is going on inside of you, there is no need to cover it up anymore. It is time to find the help you need to heal because happiness is there for you to find.

You won't find it waiting for Dorothy or the Fairy Godmother to show up. You can't click your heals and end up there. You have to go looking for it and then you can have a whole new brand new day when you are happier!

 

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

A Brand New Day

Diana Ross

From The Wiz 

Everybody look around

'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see

Everybody come out

And let's commence to singing joyfully

Everybody look up

And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

Everybody's glad

Because our silent fear and dread is gone

Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully

Just look about

You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad

Because the sun is shining just for us

Everybody wake up

Into the morning into happiness

Hello world

It's like a different way of living now

And thank you world

We always knew that we'd be free somehow

In harmony

And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change

For us to live so independently

Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully

Just look about

You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad

Because the sun is shining just for us

Everybody wake up

Into the morning into happiness

Hello world

It's like a different way of living now

And thank you world

We always knew that we'd be free somehow

In harmony

And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change

For us to live so independently

Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully

Just look about

You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Luther R. Vandross

A Brand New Day lyrics © Wb Music Corp. 

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 15, 2021

Imagine needing help to heal PTSD. You ask a friend a friend if they know how to get there. They tell you that road doesn't exist. They looked for it but never found it. Then you decide that you'll go looking for it. After a while you see a traffic sign that tells you exactly where that road is. You'll be happy to see it but then you realize you never would have found it, if you hadn't looked for it. 

You could end up being pissed off at your friend, or, you could go back and let them know where it is so they could find it too. Would you be ashamed of them for needing help? Nope! Then what is stopping you from looking for the help you need? Isn't it time you saw the sign and tell your friend it opened up your eyes too?

Today's featured video is Ace Of Base, The Sign!

Remember, it is your life...get and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

The Sign

Ace of Base

Shock!

I, I got a new life

You would hardly recognize me

I'm so glad

How can a person like me care for you?

(Ah) Why do I bother

When you're not the one for me

Is enough enough?

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

No one's gonna drag you up

To get into the light where you belong

But where do you belong?

Under the pale moon

For so many years I've wondered who you are

How could a person like you bring me joy

Under the pale moon

Where I see a lot of stars

Is enough enough?

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

No one's gonna drag you up

To get into the light where you belong

But where do you belong?

Oh, oh, oh, oh

I saw the sign and it opened up my mind

And I am happy now

Living without you

I've left you, oh oh oh

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

No one's gonna drag you up

To get into the light where you belong

I saw the sign, I saw the sign

I saw the sign

I saw the sign, I saw the sign

I saw the sign, I saw the sign

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes

I saw the sign

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Jenny Berggren / Malin Berggren / Jonas Berggren / Ulf Ekberg

The Sign lyrics © Megasong Publishing 

Stop running on empty and start healing!

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 13, 2021

This morning I had to go out but only had a quarter of a tank of gas. After hearing about all the gas shortages, long lines if a station had gas, I admit, I was worried. I live in New Hampshire and discovered that no station was out of fuel and there were no lines. Such a relief! Well that got me thinking about Jackson Browne Running On Empty.

"I don't know when that road turned into the road I'm on"

If that applies to you, then you may be "running on empty" wondering how the hell you ended up where you are. You could have been driving your life in circles, trying to get away from what has been following you. Or maybe you've just been trying to run away from yourself?

Consider this about a female veteran who lived for decades with PTSD, but did not know what it was.

Though she lived with the symptoms of PTSD, it was a long time before Bennett was formally diagnosed.

“Every year on the anniversary [of my trauma], on Aug. 24 and 25, I was on the phone with my friend who went through it with me. Every year. It was like I was stuck,” said Bennett. “I went through a lot of emotional trauma and guilt and everything. I had a lot of tears. I did a lot of crazy things. It changed me drastically in a lot of ways that weren’t good.”

Bennett sought help through DAV. It was then, 40 years after her assault, that she started therapy for PTSD and military sexual trauma (MST). “It wasn’t until [my DAV Service Officer] told me he’d seen in some of my records that there were some things that made him concerned. And he thought that maybe I should be checked out for PTSD.

“I went through a lot [with my family]; they disowned me. It really hurt; it broke my heart,” she added. “But now, I’m thinking my PTSD played a huge part in the way they acted toward me. I think the PTSD played a big role in my life.”

In 2010, Bennett was awarded 100-percent service connection for PTSD based on the trauma she endured in 1968. It took 42 years of quietly suffering before someone finally recognized her disability. Stories like hers are why the VA is making a huge push for additional research and studies into what Vietnam-era women veterans really endured. (Disabled American Veterans)

If you have PTSD, the road you got on was caused by the event you survived. She lost everything before she found out why she was suffering. "Running On Empty" and then she filled up with hope that her life could get better. She finally understood that what happened to her, followed by what happened afterwards, caused everything she was suffering from...and yes, she also experienced more troubling times with the anniversary date of when it started.

Ready to stop running on empty and fill up?

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

Running On Empty

Jackson Browne

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields

'65, I was 17 and running up 101

I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on

Running on (running on empty)

Running on (running blind)

Running on (running into the sun)

But I'm running behind

Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive

Trying not to confuse it, with what you do to survive

'69, I was 21 and I called the road my own

I don't know when that road turned into the road I'm on

Running on (running on empty)

Running on (running blind)

Running on (running into the sun)

But I'm running behind

Everyone I know, everywhere I go

People need some reason to believe

I don't know about anyone, but me

If it takes all night, that'll be all right

If I can get you to smile before I leave

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels

Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through

Looking into their eyes, I see them running too

Running on (running on empty)

Running on (running blind)

Running on (running into the sun)

But I'm running behind

Honey, you really tempt me

You know the way you look so kind

I'd love to stick around, but I'm running behind

(Running on) You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find

(Running blind) Running into the sun, but I'm running behind

Thank you

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Browne Jackson

Running On Empty lyrics © Swallow Turn Music

Don't hate...learn

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 12, 2021

It is always easier to focus on what is bad, when there is too much that is bad. The thing is, if that is all you focus on you miss that majority of what is good. The majority of the people are good, caring people but you won't see them until you open your eyes. It is the same when you are looking at your own life. Some of it can be bad, sad, heartbreaking and you can have plenty of reasons to feeling hopeless....if that is all you focus on. What about the things that are good, happy, positive, and give you plenty of reasons to be happier?

Today I started to add subtitles. This means less to read here, but you can read the subtitles if you want. Let me know what you think. I hope it helps when I talk too fast.

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD.

Everyday People

Sly and The Family Stone

Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong

My own beliefs are in my song

The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then

Makes no difference what group I'm in

I am everyday people, yeah yeah

There is a blue one who can't accept

The green one for living with

A fat one tryin' to be a skinny one

Different strokes for different folks

And so on and so on and scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha

We got to live together

I am no better and neither are you

We're all the same whatever we do

You love me you hate me

You know me and then

You can't figure out the bag I'm in

I am everyday people

There is a long hair

That doesn't like the short hair

For being such a rich one

That will not help the poor one

Different strokes for different folks

And so on and so on scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha

We got to live together

There is a yellow one that won't

Accept the black one

That won't accept the red one

That won't accept the white one

Different strokes for different folks

And so on and so on and

Scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha

I am everyday people

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Sylvester Stewart

Everyday People lyrics © Mijac Music 

Playing For Change

PTSD: Ghostbusters ready to believe you!

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 11, 2021

It is so strange how so many songs can be applied to living with PTSD. OK! I admit it, I am strange but that's OK too since the word "normal" is just an illusion. What is normal? What is something that is "normal" to one person won't be to someone else. This morning the theme from Ghostbusters popped into my brain, which may not sound normal to anyone else, but considering what I do, it is. Ghostbusters were not normal at all but fighting ghosts was just a job to them. 

I decided that today it would be the featured video today. Ghostbusters Commercial starts with "Are you troubled by strange noises in the middle of the night?" It ends with "We're ready to believe you!"
That is what it is like when you finally find someone who believes you. Finding a trauma specialist is like calling Ghostbusters. You may feel odd or strange but it is their job to fight the ghosts that have been following you around since you survived whatever caused PTSD to hit you. "Busting ghosts makes them feel good" and you feel better too!

I had ghosts chasing me too. Now, "I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts! Isn't it time to get them out of your life too?

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Ghostbusters

Ray Parker Jr. 

Ghostbusters!

If there's something strange

In your neighborhood

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

If there's something weird

And it don't look good

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

If you're seeing things

Running through your head

Who can you call?

Ghostbusters!

An invisible man

Sleepin' in your bed

Ow, who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

If you're all alone

Pick up the phone

And call

Ghostbusters!

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

Ooh, I hear it likes the girls

Hm, I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

Mmm, if you've had a dose of a

Freaky ghost, baby

You better call

Ghostbusters!

Ow!

Lemme tell ya something

Bustin' makes me feel good!

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

I ain't 'fraid of no ghost

Don't get caught alone oh, no

Ghostbusters!

When it comes through your door

Unless you just want some more

I think you better call

Ghostbusters!

Ow! Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

Uh, think you better call

Ghostbusters!

Ha ha, who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

I can't hear you

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

Louder

Ghostbusters!

Who you gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

Who can you call?

Ghostbusters!

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Ray Parker Jr. Ghostbusters lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Ray Parker Jr Dba Raydiola Music 

Why not be a hero to yourself again?

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 10, 2021

Why not fight for yourself instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you? You know "you" better than anyone else does. You know what you felt like before you were hit by what caused PTSD and you know what it felt like afterwards. Time for a hero to rush to rescue you and you're in luck...she's already there!

Today the featured video is about waiting for a hero. What about you? Why wait for someone who is already there? The truth is, if you have PTSD, you fought for your life and won, or you wouldn't have survived. Why not be a hero to yourself again?

Bonnie Taylor's song, Holding Out For A Hero had me thinking about a lot of women I've known over the years. All of them could stand on their own two feet and were perfectly happy living their own lives, their way. Sure they wanted to share their lives with someone but had no intention of settling for anything or anyone. 

So what are you holding out for now?

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

Holding Out for a Hero

Bonnie Tyler

Where have all the good men gone

And where are all the gods

Where's the streetwise Hercules

To fight the rising odds

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed

Late at night I toss and I turn

And I dream of what I need

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

Larger than life

Somewhere after midnight

In my wildest fantasy

Somewhere just beyond my reach

There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat

It's gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above

Out where the lightning splits the sea

I could swear there is someone somewhere watching me

Through the wind and the chill and the rain

And the storm and the flood

I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Jim Steinman / Dean Pitchford 

there's no sorrow they can't rise above

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 8, 2021

Did you know there are people in this world who know "there's no sorrow they can't rise above?" Gordon Lightfoot called them Rainy Day People, and yes, that is the featured video of the day.

I remember about 10 years ago, I heard the song and it was the first time I thought of myself as a rainy day person. A lot of the song is the way I feel about things, but this one is one of the major ones.

"Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all." I wouldn't be able to help anyone if I didn't listen to them, especially if they are dealing with surviving traumatic events. It is a gift when they have that ability, because I learned how to do it from people I met over the years who listened to me until I had nothing else to say.

Rainy Day People are great for many reasons. Other than being there for people in need of help, they also help them find hope. They understand what you are going through, because they've been there too. They also want you to know that you can become one of them too, and help others when they need it.

That is where the passing it on part comes in. Anyone can take their experiences and pass on hope to those struggling with something. And that, that is a beautiful thing delivered from those who love others.

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it! 

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Rainy Day People

Gordon Lightfoot

Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call

Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all

Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell 'ya they've been down like you

Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two

If you get lonely, all you really need is that rainy day love

Rainy day people all know there's no sorrow they can't rise above

Rainy day lovers don't love any others, that would not be kind

Rainy day people all know how it hangs on a piece of mind

Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell you, they've been down there too

Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two.

Rainy day people always seem to know when you're feeling blue

High stepping strutters who land in the gutters sometimes need one too

Take it or leave it, or try to believe it

If you've been down too long

Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on

Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: G Lightfoot

Rainy Day People lyrics © Wb Music Corp., Moose Music 

Your career is to help others...but not yourself?

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 7, 2021

We haven't had a video for responders for a while and considering this is Mental Health Month, it is a good time to do it. Put everything you think about PTSD for a few minutes. Your job is to help people. Why wouldn't you want to ask for help for yourself? It makes no sense at all.

Today the featured video is Little River Band, Help Is On Its Way. Those five words give hope that whatever horrible thing you are going through, will stop being horrible.

Think about the people you rush to help. They survived something that could have killed them and many times, they need help to stay alive. Hearing help is on the way, lets them know it is about to get better. They can end up with PTSD from the event you had to respond to. It only takes that one time too many, and sometimes it is just one time that did it, but their lives change. For me, I survived over 10 of them. Most of the time, responders had to come and help me. If you can understand what the event could do to us, then why can't you understand what all the ones you were involved with could do to you?

Your career is to help others...but not yourself? Why? Are you ashamed of being human and surviving all those events? I have to tell you that after all these years of working with people with PTSD, I am not ashamed of any of them. I am not ashamed of what they turned around and did with their lives after they received help. I am not ashamed of my husband. I am not even ashamed of myself, after finally discovering that what I went through was PTSD too, just a different form of it. Why would you be ashamed of needing help when helping is your job?

Don't you think the people you work with would risk their lives to save you, the same way you'd risk your life for their sake? Then how could you doubt they would listen to you when you need to talk? On the flip side, if you don't have PTSD but someone you work with may, why aren't you finding out all you can about PTSD so you can help them? Any idea how they will feel when they know that help is on the way for them and the horrible times will get better? 

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD 

Help Is on Its Way

Little River Band

Why are you in so such hurry?

Is it really worth the worry?

Look around, then slow down

What's it like inside the bubble?

Does your head ever give you trouble?

It's no sin, trade it in

Hang on, help is on its way

I'll be there as fast as I can

"Hang on", a tiny voice did say

From somewhere deep inside the inner man

Are you always in confusion?

Surrounded by illusion?

Sort it out, you'll make out

Seem to make a good beginning

Someone else ends up winning

Don't seem fair, don't you care?

Hang on, help is on its way

I'll be there as fast as I can

"Hang on", a tiny voice did say

From somewhere deep inside the inner man

Don't you forget who'll take care of you

It don't matter what you do

Form a duet, let him sing melody

You'll provide the harmony

Why are you in so such hurry?

Is it really worth the worry?

Look around, then slow down

What's it like inside the bubble?

Does your head ever give you trouble?

It's no sin, trade it in

Hang on, help is on its way

I'll be there as fast as I can

"Hang on", a tiny voice did say

From somewhere deep inside the inner man

Hang on, help is on its way

I'll be there as fast as I can

"Hang on", a tiny voice did say

From somewhere deep inside the inner man

Help is on its way

Help is on its way

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Glenn Barrie Shorrock

Help Is on Its Way lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc 

What is your reason to fight?

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 5, 2021

What is your reason to fight for something? Are you willing to fight for a cause you believe in? How much do you believe in it? Do you give it all of your free time or do you just do it once in a while? Are you invested in the cause enough to learn everything you can about it? Does that include what others have done, what they did that worked along with what didn't work they knew enough to drop?

The thing is, when you have a reason to fight for something, then you do give it everything you have. All the time you have to spare is committed to it. How about you decide to be committed to fighting for yourself? Aren't you worth fighting for?

There are PTSD advocates fighting for other people to get help, but they never fought for themselves. It isn't that they don't care about other people. It is more about them being the type of person everyone goes to for help, that prevents them from asking for it from themselves. It is almost as if they admit they need help, it will make them look weaker in the eyes of everyone else.

There are PTSD advocates who are fighting, not just because they care, but because they also had the same pain in their lives. The best advocates are those who have all that in their lives, but also know what it is like to need help, ask for it, and receive it. Then they can honestly share their lives with those they are trying to help. They are an example of what is possible to those who feel as lost as they did before.

I am in that category. The reason why people like me do it is because we remember what life was like when we were just suffering. We remember what it was like when we were healing and someone helped us do it. The biggest blessing comes is when we healed and helped others get through the hell so they could be happier. Watching them pass on that healing, being an example of not being afraid to ask for help, is a gift beyond words. We know it does not stop with them, but moves on from them and spreads out. We will never know how many lives changed because we did. I hope those who helped me so long ago know that too because even I do not know how many lives changed because they helped me first!

This is why the featured video today is Disturbed, A Reason To Fight.

Don't let it take your soul

Look at me take control

When knowing to fight this war

This is nothing worth dying for

Are you ready to begin?

Are you ready to begin? Do you finally believe you are worth fighting for too? Then become the example of what you want others to do by doing it for yourself.

Remember, it is your life...get in and drive it!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

A Reason to Fight

Disturbed

The image in your eyes

Reflecting the pain that has taken you

I hear it in your voice, so ridden with shame

From what's hailing you

I won't give up so don't give in

You've fallen down but you can rise again

So don't give up

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

Lost in your world of lies

I find it so hard to believe in you

Can it be real this time?

Or just a part of this game that we're playing through

I won't give up so don't give in

You've fallen down but you will rise again

I won't give up

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

Don't let it take your soul

Look at me take control

When knowing to fight this war

This is nothing worth dying for

Are you ready to begin?

This is a battle that we are gonna win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

I'll be your reason to fight

Give you a reason to fight

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Dan J Donegan / David Michael Draiman / Kevin Gregory Churko / Michael Wengren

A Reason to Fight lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Yes, I have faith in you that you will ask for help because you have invested too much of your heart in getting others to do it. #BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD
Bonus video from Disturbed If I Ever Lose My Faith

This is Mental Health Awareness Month. When it comes to PTSD, it was because Vietnam veterans fought for all the reseach and funding on what trauma does. If you are a veteran...consider what you have to fight for, after you fought for those you served with.