From the Echoes of a Mind, a Unifying (Healing) Force was Born

When Twitter first arrived on scene as the latest social media tool, I was very leery about its purpose.  “Why would anyone want to tweet to the world about every moment of their day?  I thought.”  However, late last year, I joined this movement as a way to spread my message about behavioral health issues, and am grateful that I had a change of heart.  How so, one may ask at this juncture?  Let me tell you.



     I have written extensively about my struggles with post-traumatic stress (PTS), and within my tweets I included #PTSD.  As a result, I was followed by a woman named Kate Gillie, who resides as a neighbor just north of the United States borders.  Kate deeply struggles with PTS, far greater than I.  As a small child she “physically” (I use this term lightly) survived the violence of the Rhodesian Bush War of the 1970’s.  Kate eloquently tells her own story which you can read or follow at www.kategillieart.com.  Therefore, I will not expound on these details, but rather relate how my association with this kind soul via Twitter has been most beneficial to my own journey towards wellness.  For it was from the echoes of her mind, that a unifying (healing) force was born.

Courtesy of Kate Gillie

     Kate is the founder and voice for #PTSDChat, which as she put it: “was the brainchild of a friend who knew her way around the social media world, and knew what I wanted to accomplish” (sic) - that being, to advocate for others who share the same struggles as herself.  This weekly chat via Twitter brings together a legion of followers to include: military, fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel; those who were abused/neglected/victims of violent crimes or witnessed the same; behavioral health specialists, and those who speak on behalf of the above mentioned groups.  Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST, a different topic is offered (such as the stigma of PTS) for all who attend to comment on.

     This dynamic platform allows those attending to relate their own personal stories, coping strategies, healing successes and/or struggles.  Some may enter the chat and observe because they are not ready, or it is too painful to share their feelings just yet.  In my humble opinion, even through observation the healing effect is felt, as like-minded people carry on a meaningful dialogue.  This is peer support (of the highest order) that is provided in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.  The ultimate goal is to provide education on PTS, end the stigma associated with behavioral health struggles, and comfort those who feel isolated from society at large.

 

     I am honored to attend these chats, share my story, and learn from others in kind.  #PTSDChat is a fine example of what it means to make this world a better place than we found it, before we leave it.  I know this is a daunting task, but every foundation is laid one brick at a time.  Thank you my fellow chat members for existing in this world in order to make this possible, as well as help each other heal.

     The echoes of the mind will never let us forget what we have seen or experienced first- hand, but this unifying force that has been created will most certainly ease that burden for years to come.

In Health and Wellness,

Tim