PTSD Patrol: What signs are you giving to others?

PTSD Patrol 

Kathie Costos 

July 11, 2020 

This is my favorite boss Erica who brought my T-shirt with her to Peru and surprised me at the top of Machu Picchu.

On the road there are many signs to alert you about what you are getting into. What signs are you giving to others? This is just the start of taking back your life. It is like getting to the top of a mountain you thought was just too high for you! #BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife

PTSD Patrol: What does your horn sound like?

PTSD Patrol

Kathie Costos

July 10, 2020

Keeping with the discussion on what kind of signals you are sending, there is another one that needs to be mentioned. Your horn!

You may think others are hearing the friendly type, the quick-double-tap that will allow them to change lanes or pass you, but then there is the angry prolonged push!

They get the message either way, but do you actually know which one they hear from you?

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife

PTSD Patrol letting your radiator cool off

PTSD Patrol

Kathie Costos

July 9, 2020

This was one of those days when it felt like I was ready to just pop my gasket! Nothing went right after a really bad night of lack of sleep.

It happens to everyone but feeling like that happens more often when you are dealing with PTSD. Here is some practical advice for learning how to cool off!

#BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife

PTSD Patrol: Are your hazard lights on?

PTSD Patrol

Kathie Costos

July 8, 2020

Yesterday we talked about how you actually send off signals, like the lights on the vehicle you drive, and people see all kinds of signs regarding the mood you are in. There is one that we did not discuss and that is one of the big ones...your hazard lights. When you read about the times you should use them, keep in mind that using them, lets people know your vehicle is in trouble!

When you should use your hazard lights

Consider using your car’s hazard lights when:
👮Getting pulled over. If law enforcement signals you to pull over, turning on your hazard lights can show the officer that you acknowledge their signal and are following the request. Slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and stop your car in a safe location. 

👮Changing a tire on the side of the road. Use your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a potential hazard for other road users. If you’re parked on the side of the road changing a tire, it’s generally okay to have your hazards on. 

👮Your car has broken down and you’re waiting for a tow. 

👮 Your car has become a temporary hazard and you’re waiting for assistance. Warn other drivers of your presence, especially if you are not able to move your car out of traffic.

👮 Driving in a funeral procession. Funeral processions are an exception to most hazard light guidelines. It’s customary for vehicles in a funeral procession to drive with their hazard lights on, even when it is otherwise prohibited by law.

You may be operating with your hazard lights flashing without knowing it. This happens when you are not in control of your reactions to others. #BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYourLife from #PTSD

PTSD Patrol: What signals are you giving out?

PTSD Patrol

Kathie Costos

July 7, 2020

If you had lights on your body, like you vehicle has, then you would automatically let people know what mood you're in.

Red lights: stop, do not approach, stay away

Yellow lights: OK with talking but proceed with caution

Regular lights: Normal conditions

High Beams: Upbeat mood

What if your forehead had lights like your dashboard does? It would let people know you needed service to be done and a mechanic. Your battery is running low. You are unbalanced. Your fuel is low or you have a full tank.

There are all kinds of signals you actually give. The trick is, noticing what signals you are giving so you can explain it to them. It will also help you understand what you are seeing in others.

Your vehicle has plenty of lights to notify others what you are doing and what you need to know as about what your vehicle needs. So do you.

Learn what signals you are already giving and let those around you understand what those signals mean. #BreakTheSilence and #TakeBackYouLife from #PTSD