Sunday 10 January 2016

WHO'S THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM???


Blog #1 - 2016 Jan 10/16 

Who’s the Elephant in the room? What secrets are you keeping quiet about? Are those secrets harming yourself or others? Is it time to give a name to the Elephant or help the Elephant?

We’ve spent quite a bit of time over the last 10 years working through our Equine Personal Wellness Programs and dealing with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) with clients. Unfortunately PTSD has neither age limit nor profession.  Through these sessions we found that we didn’t need to have the clients relive the experience but instead help them find the tools to manage the issues they developed due to PTSD.

One of the biggest problems we have is the general public having a hard time talking about the problem. It’s like there’s a strong need to keep it quiet behind closed doors if you experience the symptoms. It’s really not contagious! AND it’s certainly not a weakness to admit you are suffering from PTSD
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PTSD can come in all types of experiences. The ones we hear a lot of are with our emergency services providers, (Military, RCMP, Firemen, Nurses, Doctors etc….) But here’s the thing if you experience any kind of trauma you can possibly have PTSD. For example you witness a death, an accident, are in an accident, receive an emotional shock from an incident or physical injury. PTSD has no boundaries. I’ve seen people that have lost an animal go into PTSD.  Any type of situation where you body has received a shock emotionally or physically causes health issues.  Having a healthy body requires dealing with “Body, Mind & Spirit”.

Those that experience PTSD deserve the opportunity to live life to its fullest. Through our EPW programs individuals are working with our horses on the ground. Various exercises have been created to assist you in developing your personal tool chest to help you when you experience symptoms of PTSD.
   
In Feb we start our mini workshops offered to individuals that suffer with PTSD. These are closed sessions (private) with only 9 individuals in the group. We offer 3 mini workshops 2.5 hours long on one Saturday in Feb, March & April.  www.roycan.ca


So I’m suggesting that we start talking about the Elephant in the room and looking at other options that will decrease the numbers of individuals suffering from PTSD.   We’re doing our part. How are you going to handle or help the next person you meet with PTSD and remember we’d like the Elephant in the room to disappear. 

Have a great month. 

Candice