• Being easily startled or frightened.
• Always being on guard for danger.
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior.
• Overwhelming guilt or shame.
• Work and work relations affected
• No energy for family
• Missing get togethers or vacations
• Blurting traumatic events

PTSD is tremendously difficult for the person affected. Zero argument. Suddenly they are thrown into a body and mind they don't recognize. They cannot choose to ignore or get over. There are doctor appointments, and so many medications to navigate. A trip to the store is exhausting. A person who had the energy to work 14 hours now cannot easily perform automatic self care tasks, like brushing their teeth. 

If you haven't heard about Spoon Theory   check it out. It will be one of the topics that will be discussed on June 13th in Kentville 

Behind the Scene is more than the title of this piece. It's the name of the Peer Support group that begins next week. Support the family and friends who hold the things together. The finances, the social calendar, the kids. The medications, the appointments, they remember the conversations and dates too. They have unwittingly found themselves in a world they did not sign up for. 

There is something truly liberating about being in a place where everyone understands, from a personal level. Where you don't need to coach your words, where empathy and kindness is plentiful. A place where you can say the weird things. 

There is a grieving process, but no physical death. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. 

They mask, cause who want to tell family and friends how difficult it is? Who wants to do nothing but complain? Should they complain? Sickness and Health, that's what they said.... this is the sickness part. 

That masking is tiring. It's heavy. 

Peer support is different from therapy (which is also highly recommended). It's self care. It's an exchange of information. It's acceptance. It's shared experiences. 

The stronger the team, the healthier the home dynamic. 

**Currently restricted to the people closest to Fire Fighters diagnosed with PTSD