Tag: PTSD
Identity and Perspective: for Success or Misfortune
The tragedies of our time, and perhaps of all times, hinge on extremes of personal or group identification and loss of perspective.
In the day’s events, we see tragic outcomes, minor disputes, hatred and discrimination, mass murders, and the carnage of war. Mass shootings often occur because of racial hatred that links to individuals or groups with extreme views or ideologies. Adopting and embracing a limited set of ideas and beliefs eliminates and eradicates perspective and context.
Consequences of my tightly held identity and perspective
Wise actions when feeling overwhelmed or pushed to the limit
Our life and future happen from the decisive choices and actions we take.
Two terrifying Incidences
To listen to Speechify recording version, click here
In my early life and career, there were two incidences when I thought I would not survive and my future aspirations would be no more. These episodes seemed to happen in the so-called fate of the moment, with the saving grace of surviving a tragic outcome.
One incident reverberated in my mind when I hit the brakes with an almost intuitive decision that reversed what I thought would be a deadly consequence for my wife and me. The near-fatal incident was when I drove south for a vacation with my wife several years after our marriage. We were on a two-lane road with the glow of the future in front of us.
The U.S. Gun Romance and Harsh Reality of Gun Deaths
A close look at the history, key contributing factors, mental health-related issues, and needed changes
Gun violence has been a major issue in the U.S. for too long. I felt it worthwhile to examine the historical context, key contributing factors, and critical mental health-related issues. My goal? To increase awareness and perspective and develop a reasonable discussion about reducing gun deaths. Join me in exploring a subject of critical concern for the safety and well-being of our community.
Dreamwork for Insight, Creativity, and Growth
The dream is an untapped resource for insight, problem-solving, and self-improvement.
Dreams an Untapped Resource
Dreamwork is a valuable resource and aid in self-help and therapy work. It is a practical and always available tool that supports personal growth, productivity, and mental and emotional health.
Extreme Passion, the Value and Danger—Holocaust Recalled
Harnessing extremes into creativity, loving concern for others, and actions to avoid societal upheaval, hatred, and destruction.
I recount an early life story that brought me to the realities and risks of the extreme passions and ideas we can get caught up in as individuals or whole societies with positive or devastating outcomes.
My mother’s lost cousin—Iren
When I was a child in the early-to-mid 1940s, my mother took me to a local shoe repair shop on
Journal Keeping for Health and Productivity
Purpose, Types, Benefits, and Tips
Journaling is one of the most valuable and accessible self-help tools available.
In times of stress and duress, journaling can help work through some of the most difficult life challenges, such as the death of a spouse with the difficulty that follows.
An award-winning author, grief support advocate, and marketing consultant, Linda Donovan,1 shares a personal piece about the healing power of journaling in her life as an opening to our exploration of a valuable tool anybody can use. Dr. Parks then continues the narrative about the history and purpose of journaling, how his fascination with it developed, journal types, benefits, eight tips for doing journal keeping, and resources.
High Anxious Blood Pressures and Drug Dilemma
Elevated blood pressure readings in doctors offices and the decision process
Anxiety, fear, and stress can increase your risk of many different illnesses and degenerative diseases. There is a decision-making process that relies on advice, obtaining reliable well-sourced information, and the input from our developed inner wisdom or what I call the internal guiding narrative. The inner guide, of course, needs our attention and awareness. It is influenced by experience and develops in each of us throughout our lives. Ron’s personal story about reliance on his inner guidance to make a difficult choice follows.
Shocked by a high blood pressure reading
I took the BP readings with a manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope at home when not feeling well. My blood pressure was elevated. I was worried to the point that…
Surviving Anxiety and Trauma
Unexpected Fall
Dr. Sid—endearingly just called “Sid” by his peers, colleagues, and fellow healthcare workers—made his way through the city in the early morning darkness. For fifteen years, he’d traveled this way, but the ordinarily busy city was now quiet, a sad reminder of the pandemic’s impact. He cranked the heater as a shiver crept up his spine at the thought of what lay ahead of him.
Storms and Mental Health
Mary’s Challenges
Mary1 had a history of mood swings, depression, anxiety, and PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. Her years growing up were in a chaotic and disruptive home, especially after her alcoholic father deserted her and her mother. She had experienced a hard time growing up with parental neglect, physical, and emotional abuse. Her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) returned after the hurricane with a vengeance.