Sunday, April 27, 2014

PTSD Service Dog Fundraiser

One of the biggest reasons why I haven't been posting anything online is because my wife Kellie has severe PTSD and we have been doing all we can to manage it. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. 
Kellie's PTSD has recently been getting worse and we have not been able to get her the help that she needs. Besides Therapy and doing what we can with managing symptopms with medication, Kellie needs daily support that I cannot always provide because I have been working hard every day in order to try to offset some of these medical expenses.
These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships.
PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.

Intrusive memories

  • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
  • Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event

Avoidance

  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
  • Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

  • Negative feelings about yourself or other people
  • Inability to experience positive emotions
  • Feeling emotionally numb
  • Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Changes in emotional reactions

  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
  • Always being on guard for danger
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame
  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Being easily startled or frightened

I started a fundraiser for Kellie so that we are able to get her a Service Dog specially trained for her medical needs.

I ask everyone to please help us any way you can. Sharing this blog post with friends and family, donating any amount (I'm serious, even $1 would help), anything to show Kellie that she has something to live for.
Kellie's PTSD Service Dog Fundraiser



If you can please find it in your hearts to help us out, we truly appreciate it!
Thank you very much and Blessed Be.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Phases of the Moon: A Poem by Kat

Tonight at work I was inspired and a poem started to form in my head. I quickly jotted it down during my dinner break, and worked on it every spare moment I got. I hope you all enjoy.



 Phases Of The Moon: A Poem by Kat Johnson   

   New Moon, Sweet Maiden    
   How swiftly you grow bold,   
         
   Grown Full with child   
   Blessed Mother we behold,  
          
    Now Waning softly   
   Fading as the Crone of olde,   
          
    Making way for the Maiden   
    Silver cycle worthy of gold.