Mark Thomas’ Post

On National PTSD Awareness Day, we come together to recognise and support those who have faced unimaginable challenges. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, affects millions of people around the world, from first responders and veterans to survivors of trauma. It's a condition that can deeply impact daily life, but with understanding, compassion, and proper support, healing is possible. We know that 10% of first responders will suffer a mental health injury during their careers. Let's take a moment to: 🔹 Educate Ourselves: Learn about PTSD and its effects to better understand what our loved ones and their loved ones might be going through. 🔹 Show Support: Reach out to someone you know who might be struggling. A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference. 🔹 Advocate for Mental Health: Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and promote healing. If you or someone you know needs help, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Together, we can make a difference. You’re never alone. 💙 Read more about our Co-Founder Mark Thomas’ personal journey here: https://lnkd.in/gg7228Fb #code9PTSD #PTSDAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #SupportAndHeal

The everyday struggle is real; PTSD can be an incredibly challenging condition to manage. It affects not only mental health but also influences daily life, relationships, and the ability to cope with stress. It’s important to acknowledge that struggling with PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a response to trauma. Seeking professional support, whether through therapy, support groups, or even self-care strategies, can make a meaningful difference in finding ways to navigate the symptoms. Remember, progress may be slow, but each step forward is a victory in the journey toward healing. You're not alone in this—resources and people can provide support. Reach to the Veteran Crisis Line If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate help, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

🐕🦺🐾🦮🐾 After 17 years in the United States Army, and two terrifying tours in Iraq, Luis Carlos Montalvan was medically discharged with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short. He had suffered several combat-related injuries, including a broken back and a traumatic brain injury. He was plagued by flashbacks, had trouble being in public, was severely depressed, and had suicidal ideations. Enter Tuesday, the therapy dog who almost flunked out of training! When the night terrors would torment Luis, Tuesday would nudge him awake. When Luis thought he heard an intruder in his home, Tuesday would explore the house to reassure him. Sadly, in 2016, Luis's pain became too much for him to endure. But not before he was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple heart, and writing The New York Times best-selling book, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him. All too often I hear people lauding police, those who serve in the military, and other first responders, only to shrug when they are no longer about to serve due to injuries be they physical, psychological, mental or emotional. Various programs have popped up to help those afflicted to cope with these challenges, one of my favorites are those involving therapy animals. Here are some of the benefits. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝟏. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Dogs offer comfort and companionship, reducing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression that often accompany PTSD. 𝟐. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 - Service dogs are trained to notice signs of distress during flashbacks or nightmares and provide physical contact (like nudging or licking) to help interrupt the episode and bring the person back to the present. 𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - Individuals with PTSD often feel constantly on alert, which can be exhausting. Service dogs provide a calming presence, allowing the person to feel more secure and safe in public spaces. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - Caring for a service dog provides structure and a sense of purpose, which can be grounding for those struggling with PTSD. 𝟓. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Service dogs help veterans and first responders reintegrate into society by giving them a reason to engage in social situations, which might otherwise be avoided due to anxiety. In these last days of Suicide Prevention Month, why not learn a little about some of the organizations providing therapy dogs for those who have served in various capacities? I'll list some in the comments if you'd like to check them out Be safe and well, my friends. P.S. - This picture is of therapy dogs waiting to be let into hospital rooms to comfort sick children. DM me for a great video of a therapy dog in action. #personaldevelopment #ptsd #suicideprevention #firstresponders #veterans

After 17 years in the United States Army, and two terrifying tours in Iraq, Luis Carlos Montalvan was medically discharged with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short. He had suffered several combat-related injuries, including a broken back and a traumatic brain injury. He was plagued by flashbacks, had trouble being in public, was severely depressed, and had suicidal ideations. Enter Tuesday, the therapy dog who almost flunked out of training! When the night terrors would torment Luis, Tuesday would nudge him awake. When Luis thought he heard an intruder in his home, Tuesday would explore the house to reassure him. Sadly, in 2016, Luis's pain became too much for him to endure. But not before he was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple heart, and writing The New York Times best-selling book, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him. All too often I hear people lauding police, those who serve in the military, and other first responders, only to shrug when they are no longer about to serve due to injuries be they physical, psychological, mental or emotional. Various programs have popped up to help those afflicted to cope with these challenges, one of my favorites are those involving therapy animals. Here are some of the benefits. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝟏. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Dogs offer comfort and companionship, reducing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression that often accompany PTSD. 𝟐. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 - Service dogs are trained to notice signs of distress during flashbacks or nightmares and provide physical contact (like nudging or licking) to help interrupt the episode and bring the person back to the present. 𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - Individuals with PTSD often feel constantly on alert, which can be exhausting. Service dogs provide a calming presence, allowing the person to feel more secure and safe in public spaces. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - Caring for a service dog provides structure and a sense of purpose, which can be grounding for those struggling with PTSD. 𝟓. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Service dogs help veterans and first responders reintegrate into society by giving them a reason to engage in social situations, which might otherwise be avoided due to anxiety. In these last days of Suicide Prevention Month, why not learn a little about some of the organizations providing therapy dogs for those who have served in various capacities? I'll list some in the comments if you'd like to check them out Be safe and well, my friends. P.S. - This picture is of therapy dogs waiting to be let into hospital rooms to comfort sick children. DM me for a great video of a therapy dog in action. #personaldevelopment #ptsd #suicideprevention #firstresponders #veterans

My Veteran's Perspective on PTSD in the Fire Service: As a veteran, I have personal experience with the mental health issues that service members face, particularly PTSD. Because mental health is stigmatized, many times the bravery and resiliency exhibited by these men and women are eclipsed by the dread of getting assistance. I have no idea that our firefighters were part of another group of heroes who also faced similar battle. I was astonished to hear about the astonishingly similar stigma surrounding PTSD within the fire service. In conversation with a fire chief. The chief confided in me that, in spite of his years of devotion and dedication, he was afraid of losing his job if his PTSD issues were made public. I am used to others being unwilling to seek treatment for mental health issues. For public safety professionals as well as military members, the fear of being seen as weak or unsuitable for duty is a major barrier. As a society, we have to acknowledge that PTSD is an expected response to the tremendous strains that people who serve and protect face, not a sign of weakness. Members of the armed forces and the public safety community must possess exceptional bravery, resilience, and unalterable dedication. It is depressing to observe how the stigma associated with mental disorders might keep our heroes from getting the help they are entitled to. This link between the two disciplines emphasizes how urgently our understanding of mental health in these communities must grow. It is imperative that we create a culture that prioritizes mental well-being and ruptures down barriers that prevent those affected from seeking assistance. Education, awareness, and support from the larger community are crucial in empowering our firefighters and military personnel to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions. I know the sacrifices made by our courageous service people because I served in the military, and now that I know more about the firefighting community, I comprehend that same commitment and dedication. It is our shared duty to make sure that no one struggles in silence and that we are all collaborating to foster an atmosphere of understanding and resiliency. We can enable our heroes in the public safety and military fields to keep serving our communities with bravery, strength, and steadfast dedication by tackling the stigma associated with mental health. Is it familiar? Join the discussion about solutions

There is not enough being done to protect the mental health and well being of first responders. How can you do your job protecting others when you aren't being told to put the oxygen mask on yourself first? #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #ptsd #ptsdawareness #firstresponders #firstresponder #traumainformed https://lnkd.in/gWqu5W5v

Shell shock. Invisible battle scars. Hidden wounds of war. There have been many attempts to define the mental health challenges that service members struggle with in the wake of their service. But regardless of how you describe it, service members with PTSD and other mental health concerns deserve and need support as they navigate their recovery. PTSD can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Those who struggle with it often experience distressing flashbacks to the traumatic moments of their service, hyper-vigilance and insomnia, as well as feelings of sadness, anger, depression, anxiety or even estrangement from their loved ones. PTSD doesn’t just affect service members but their military family members as well. And while mental health is a complicated issue that is not easily solved, the USO is committed to supporting and uplifting service members and military families through every step of their service – through our USO Centers, through our programs and even through our canine volunteers. As PTSD Awareness Month comes to a close, read how a veteran and his service dogs are supporting wounded, ill and injured service members alongside #theUSO. #PTSDAwareness https://lnkd.in/g-pJizWc

Shell shock. Invisible battle scars. Hidden wounds of war. There have been many attempts to define the mental health challenges that service members struggle with in the wake of their service. But regardless of how you describe it, service members with PTSD and other mental health concerns deserve and need support as they navigate their recovery. PTSD can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Those who struggle with it often experience distressing flashbacks to the traumatic moments of their service, hyper-vigilance and insomnia, as well as feelings of sadness, anger, depression, anxiety or even estrangement from their loved ones. PTSD doesn’t just affect service members but their military family members as well. And while mental health is a complicated issue that is not easily solved, the USO is committed to supporting and uplifting service members and military families through every step of their service – through our USO Centers, through our programs and even through our canine volunteers. Read how a veteran and his service dogs are supporting wounded, ill and injured service members alongside #theUSO. #PTSDAwareness https://lnkd.in/g-pJizWc

🚒 🧠 #WellnessWednesday - Breaking the Silence: The Fort Worth Fire Department takes a great step forward in mental health advocacy for its firefighters. This article showcases their efforts to combat stigma and provide essential mental health support to these everyday heroes. From PTSD to substance abuse, learn how the department is pushing for change and ensuring their firefighters aren't just physically fit, but mentally resilient. 💪🔥 https://lnkd.in/dJ423CgN

PTSD: “Let’s clear up some serious confusion. Because the truth about trauma could not be more backwards. PTSD and many other labels are not mental illnesses at all. They are in truth REACTIONS to mentally ill people, corporations and unnatural sick systems [judicial & religious]. Backwards thinking empowers only those who are or do benefit from cycling the causes.” I have spent long hours trying to make some sense of my life and have come to the conclusion that when horror overcomes us the only response possible is to remember what happened and tell the story.” - Coral Anika Theill, BONSHEA Making Light of the Dark Coral Anika Theill Author, Advocate, Speaker, Trauma Survivor & Military Reporter D.V., Rape & Ritual Abuse Victim/Survivor Erased & Alienated Mother of 8 Handmaid Survivor - People of Praise Cult https://lnkd.in/gCTevbab Memoir: BONSHEA Making Light of the Dark Website: www.coralanikatheill.com BONSHEÁ - 5 Star Reviews https://lnkd.in/gBYrB4Ur “I recommend this book for health care providers, those in the criminal justice system, and volunteers or helpers of any kind to get insights and clarity about the complex dynamics of domestic violence and its toxic effects to individuals and society-and what needs to be done to eradicate this pandemic problem." – Barbara A. May, PhD, RN PMHP, Professor of Nursing, Linfield College, Portland, Oregon Coral’s experiences at the hands of her tormentors, including members of the People of Praise, are heinous enough to disturb even the most seasoned social worker. The atrocities include serial rape, kidnapping, domestic assault, involuntary servitude, ritual humiliation, denial of medical care, financial exploitation, social ostracism, psychological torture, and disinheritance. For Coral, all of that immeasurable suffering pales in comparison to the agony she has endured as a result of her court-mandated separation and emotional alienation from her eight children.” - INTRODUCTION to BONSHEA Making Light of the Dark by Christophe Difo, J.D., and Sean Prophet https://lnkd.in/g89n3ynk