Tag Archives: Hope

Encouragement…how a simple video has encouraged many.

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After one year and over 31,000,000 views this video is still inspiring.  Be encouraged!  Each of us has a lot to contribute to others.  This thee minute video is not a major Hollywood production.  It does not star a famous actor.  It was not produced by one of the industries greats.  Yet it is impacting the world.  

We may never directly reach 31 million people.  But we can reach someone in our little part of the world. 

Encourage someone today.  You may never know just how much they needed that encouragement.

007 Can gratitude save your life?

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Hand writes the word thank you“90% your long-term happiness is predicted not by the external world, but by the way your brain processes the world.”  Dr. Shawn Achor, “The Happy Secret to Better Work” TEDx 2011

In today’s episode we:

  • Explore the power of gratitude
  • Consider what we can do to make use of gratitude
  • Discuss how science is trying to reshape memories.

Gratitude/Thankfulness  

  • Can gratitude save your…job, relationship, life?
  • What about medication?   What if after doing all the right things our brain still do not cooperate and gratitude seems out of reach?
  • Seeing the good, not ignoring the bad.  Gratitude does not deny the bad.
  • Can we change the wiring in our brain?
  • Can an attitude of gratitude help us with PTSD recovery?  It can.  As we adopt a mindset shaped by being able to see what is truly good in ourselves, others, and the world we are in a better position to deal with our traumatic experiences.

Reshaping Memories with Genetics… (see the post on Reshaping Memories)

Gratitude Experiments:

  1. 3 Gratitude Each Day for 21 Days
  2. Journaling One Positive Event Each Day
  3. Exercise
  4. Meditation
  5. Random Acts of Kindness: E-mail/send a positive note

I will be doing #1.

What one or two will you be doing?  What other ways have helped you maintain an attitude of gratitude?

Resources and References:

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Change: (Part 1 of 3) Is it really possible to change?

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For the small things in life the answer seems to be an easy, “yes.”  This even extends to difficult changes like quitting smoking, excessive drinking, drugs or overeating.  Some of these changes may be difficult; but they are possible.  Most of us accept that change can take place-even permanent change.  I know many who have permanently quit smoking and lost weight.

What about those things that seem to be deeply ingrained into our nature, mind and even our soul?  Can change occur in these deep character areas?

The theological side of me says a resounding, yes!  Is it that easy?  Can one say, “Just give it up to God.” or “Jesus will take care of it.”  Maybe, sometimes this is the case.  And I think this is an important part for wholeness.

However these deep seeded core characteristics are complex and a simplistic answer—in the physical, psychological or spiritual—is probably not a reality.  Perhaps it starts with how we see the problem.

Do we see it as an all or nothing situation?  Does it all have to change in order for it to be anything meaningful?  For some things the answer to these questions is, yes.  But for most things, even big things, I think the answer is, no.  It is not usually an all or nothing situation.

When we recognize (the first R in the RESTORE process) that something is amiss in our life or relationship—big or small.  Then we can evaluate (E) the situation—not to dwell on it, but rather just enough to get to the S of RESTORE.  We can then proceed to START to take some action.

In this series of posts, and next week’s podcast, we will explore a practical process leading to meaningful change.  We will investigate how to START to make a difference:

  • Set Goals: reasonable, responsible and measurable
  • Tools: Gather the necessary tools and resources
  • Action Plan: Put a practical action plan in place: who, what, when, where and how
  • Run with it: Up till now we have assessed, learned and planned.  Now it is time to run with the plan with confidence!
  • Test: Are the tools and the plan leading toward the goal.  If not, what needs to be changed or gained?

Join is in parts two and three (and the podcast on Thursday, November 22) when we explore this process that can be part of bringing change—big and small.  We will also consider why we sometimes do not accomplish our goals.

How do you see your problems?  Do you recognize any hope for change?

[You may benefit from listing to episode 002 – RESTORE.]

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005 Suicide & 4 Practical Parts to Becoming Part of the Solution

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If you believe someone is considering suicide, is it OK to ask: “Are you thinking about committing suicide?” or other direct questions? This is one of the questions addressed in this episode.

Hopelessness seems to be overtaking an increasing number of people–veterans and civilians alike.  This is showing up in an ever increasing suicide rate.  We will discuss this difficult topic and look at some practical ways of addressing this issue.  There is hope!  We can take action.

Let’s get right into today’s topic: Suicide

– About 12 (to 14) per 100,000 death are from Suicide in the U.S. (CDC report from 2009)

– For the Veteran population it is more than double at 30 per 100,000  http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/30/13292/suicide-rate-veterans-far-exceeds-civilian-population

  •                49,000 Veteran suicides between 2005 and 2011
  •                2012 VA study reports 8030 in the year 2010 (22 per day)
  •                Up from a previous study of 19 per day
  •                Suicide and PTSD

– The BBC reported that British Soldier suicide outpaced combat death in Afghanistan in 2012

               50 suicides (active + veterans) and 40 KIA

Civilian

  • Increase in the number of suicides from 1999-2010 affects all ages, genders and ethnic groups
  • In U.S. the number 10 leading cause of death among all age group, genders and ethnicities
  • 50 to 59 years old increased by about 49%

The loss from any to suicide is tragic.  However in the U.S. more men than women and more whites than any other ethnic group commit suicide.

White males most affected – Second leading cause of death ages 10-24.  The largest single teen group affected, 19 out of every 100 death, boys (white) ages 15-19.

People from all ethnicities, genders and age groups are increasingly losing hope and increasingly deciding to end their own lives.  Why the increase?  Let us know what you think in the comments section or leave us a voice message.

4 practical arts to become part of the solution…

Learn:

  •                Attend a seminar or class on suicide intervention such as:
  •                ASIST
  •                SafeTALK

 Some warning signs:

  • Increase/decreased sleep, eating, aggression (sings of depression)
  • Withdrawing for relationships and society
  •  Drug/Alcohol abuse
  • Talking about giving up, ending it all, never returning
  •  Possibly giving away possessions
  • Express a hopeless view of the future
  • Express feelings of worthlessness
  • Significant Loss: Relationship, Job, Identity, Ability

Look: for any of the warring sings (and many others) listed above.  Has your friend, coworker, child, spouse, gone through a major change?  Not every one that is depress or gone through a loss will commit suicide.

Listen: Listen for any warning sings.  Are they talking about death, dying, “going away” or any permanent change that raises any red flag?

Lead then to safety and to help.

  •                Doctor, psychologist, ER, ASIST trained cooworker, police, first responders,…
  •                Don’t ignore or dismiss the sings
  •                Don’t leave them alone
  •                Don’t be afraid to ask the question: “Are you planning/or going to commit suicide?”

In the U.S.

NationalSuicidePreventionLogo

 

 

 

 

Need help!  This is a list of crisis lines for several countries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Share your thoughts with us!  Ideas, experiences…  What is your school, community, church, company or organization doing to help people in crisis?

Below is the Mayo Clinic Teen Suicide Prevention video.  It provides practical advice for any age group.

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HTWW Episode 003 – Recognize

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In today’s episode we will:

  1.  Give a community update
  2.  Discuss in more detail the Recognize part of the RESTORE process
  3.  Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

More people connecting…

– We have over 275 people that have connected with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeAndRestorationTeam

– Twitter: @PadreDavid

– Of course our website: HealingTheWoundsOfWar.com

  •  Leave a comment or a voice message
  •  Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question (Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.)

– Our community Talk line: 253-235-9165 (please only ask one question per call)

 On to our main topic of our show…the Recognize part of the RESTORE process.

  • Recognize and evaluate go hand-in-hand.  Remember, don’t get caught up in this process.  Our point is to get to a place to set a goal and move forward.
  •  We don’t diagnose PTSD or any other conditions.
  •  We can recognize that something is not right with ourselves or another.  It does not even need to rise to the level of something that would be diagnosed for us to reach out for help or to help.
  •  Getting help starts with Recognizing that there is an issue/opportunity
  •  What has changed?  What is different?
  •  May take weeks or sometimes years to have symptoms.
  •  It is normal to be affected by a traumatic experience!
  •  4 identified areas to Recognize…
  •  From VA public page: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/symptoms_of_ptsd.asp

 Resource Spotlight:

  • in 2012, 22 US Veterans committed suicide each day!
  • US National Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

VeteransCrisisLine Banner Male2

  • for US Veterans – VA Hotline 1-800-273-8255 press 1
  • Do you know of a number in the country where you live?

Thank you for listening!  Let a friend know.  We would appreciate it greatly if you would give us a 5 star rating in the ITunes store and share the good news.

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002 – RESTORE: 7 Practical parts of the RESTORE process

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I am David Fell, your host for this podcast where we are building a community Hope and Restoration for all those dealing the Stress, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress and much more.

Each week we seek to inform, educate and yes, perhaps even entertain as we learn together how to live lives of victory!

In today’s episode we will:

  • Discuss ways to get connected to the community
  •  Give an overview of the RESTORE process
  • Talk about a potentially exciting treatment for the most server PTSD

So how do get connected?

> Leave a comment or a voice message   Name, where you are calling from and a brief message or question.  Please only question per message, but as many questions as you like.

On to our main topic of our show…a 10,000 foot overview of the RESTORE process…

Recognize: Issue (problem)/Opportunity

– What is not “right”, going well, in my body, thoughts, attitude, relationships, etc…?

Evaluate: Impact and Sources

  • Don’t get caught up in this part of the process!
  •  Sometime our situations are complex and need qualified outside assistance to work through. There are many qualified counselors/therapists skilled in different tried and proven techniques.
  • The purpose is not to answer every possible question or understand every aspect of the issue. Rather it is to help identify something for us to do, a goal we can set and achieve.

Example 1: Marc, 70 with High Blood Pressure….

Example 2: High anxiety in large crowds

START

– Set goal(s)

  • measurable, obtainable!
  • Let others help identify and define the goal; but they must be YOUR goals! You have to take ownership of the process.

– Tool: Gather tools and resources need to accomplish goal

> Friends, equipment, books (or other training material), doctor, therapist, coach…

– Action Plan: Goal and Tools in a concrete plan

> Who, What, When, Where and How

– Run with it!!! Execute the plan with confidence.

– Test: Is the plan leading me toward the goal, is this goal leading me toward the major objective.

Tune: Adjust and modify as necessary to accomplish goal

Overcome: Obstacles will arise; but they can be overcome. When we Recognize an obstacle we can Evaluate it and START to take action to overcome.

Reach Out to others: A key ingredient!

Evolve: Change and grow in Post-Traumatic Strength and Success

Science update:

NOTE: The following links are not endorsed by this podcast of the Hope and Restoration Team. All medical options should be done in consultation with your licensed medical provider.

Stellate Ganglion Block

Dr. Eugene Lipov

As of 2012 Livop has treated 65 people with variable success. Still under investigation.

Links to interesting articles and news reports….

Thank you for listening! Let a friend know. We would appreciate it greatly if you would give us a 5 star rating in the ITunes store and share the good news.

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001 Healing the Wounds of War – Post Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.

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Now available on ITunes, RSS feeds and the Zune Marketplace.

A podcast and community of Hope and Restoration for all those dealing the Stress, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress and much more.  Each week we seek to inform, educate and yes, perhaps even entertain as we learn together how to live lives of victory!

 In today’s episode we will…

  • Do some introductions
  • Look at an overview of this podcast series
  • And the dive into the main topic of the day…Post-Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.

Introducing your host: David Fell

  • Army Wounded Warrior; Retired Army Chaplain; Two tours in Iraq;
  • Devastating lung damage: Radically changed my life
  • Beyond the physical injuries…
  • Living with and dealing with my own post-traumatic issues…
  • Helping (as an Army Chaplain) hundreds of Soldiers, before, during and after combat
  • Helping family members (kids, spouse, and parents) between tours.

We will deal with the Physical, Psychological and Spiritual aspects of Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and the Post Trauma recovery process.

I am not a Medical Doctor or a licensed psychologist!

  • We don’t deal with diagnosing or prescribing.
  • We are a community sharing our experiences and understanding.

I am

  • Husband for the last 20 years
  • And a dad
  • A war veteran, chaplain, ordained minister
  • I have a Masters in Divinity and a Bachelor in Biology with several years experiences teaching science.

There is a lot of information out there!

  • Together we will explore this information.
  • As a teacher I seek to…
  • Break down complex idea
  • Consider how things might apply to our lives

Some of the tools:

  • Scientific Journals, Books, Articles, Stories, Music and more…
  • Guests: People sharing their stories & Experts in science, theology, therapy and medicine

brain blue with lightsPost-Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head…

It affect your entire body…

We will take an integrated approach – physical (body), psychological (mind) and spiritual (soul).

A brief look at the Physical, Psychological and Spiritual…

Join the community: Your voice matters!

Next Episode: RESTORE: 7 practical steps (coming October 24, 2013)

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Upcoming Episode Topics…

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Healing the Wounds of War: Hope and Restoration for PTSD podcast will launch October 24th on ITunes and RSS feeds everywhere. Upcoming topics include:
Oct. 24 – Post Traumatic Stress: It’s not just in your head.
Oct. 31 – RESTORE: 7 Practical Steps
Nov. 7 – Recognize: I’m fine, just ask me.
Nov. 14 – Faith Free Fall: A journey through the darkness.

HTWW Upcoming Episodes