PTSD Patrol new mission has old reason

PTSD Patrol

Kathie Costos

July 12, 2020

If you want to know why I gave up working with veterans and started working with everyone dealing with #PTSD it is because of stories like this. "Master Sgt. Andrew 'Andy' Christian Marckesano served 6 full tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne and the Ranger regiment" and committed suicide because he did not get the help he needed to heal from all that.

There are at least 8 million Americans with PTSD but few groups are doing anything about them suffering. Too many are focusing on "suicide awareness" for veterans, but again, not providing the help or knowledge they need to stay alive. It is so easy to talk about "doing something" but sometimes, it is actually worse than nothing. Master Sgt. Marckesano, should still be alive and he probably would have been if he could have found those who were willing to help him.

I was tired of competing with the groups getting in the way of that after dedicating 38 years of my life to that cause. Having survived traumatic events at least 10 times, I felt I had more to contribute to those who have been forgotten...average citizens and people working on the front lines trying to make a difference.

From my other site Wounded Times

I ask for no money and gave up my tax exempt. All I ask is that if you find someone, or you need help, know there is someone like me out there to help you find the way to living a happier life. #breakthesilence and #takebackyourlife from #PTSD

I know what PTSD does and I know how to take away the power it has over survivors. I have seen the worst outcomes, but have seen far too many victories to know how important it is to continue to do this work.

“Imagine how many suicide victims would still be with us, if only the right person said the right thing at the right time.”
― Wayne Gerard Trotman

There won't be a video today. Trying to do an uplifting message after all this, is not going to happen today. Back in operation tomorrow.

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