Surviving TraumaSýnishorn

It’s interesting when you think of the large impact a small amount of time can have on your life. Whether it’s from our childhood, an accident, a relationship, time served in the military, or as a first responder. The accumulation of events has a way of taking control of our thoughts and behaviors, whether we realize it or not. I didn’t realize the impact my time in the Navy had on me until decades later.

Many military personnel serve their time and then transition to civilian life, leaving the past behind. We spend those next years focused on various things like starting a family, getting educated, and working in a new field. Those healthy distractions provide new purpose, but eventually we must face the trauma we experienced in the service. As we get older, we have time to slow down and reflect, which can be a scary thing if those reflections are filled with undealt trauma. We may be triggered by things we wouldn’t think would cause fear or sadness. Such as loud sounds, smells, current world events, dreams, authority, etc.

Over 20 years after serving I began interviewing others in the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community while conducting research for a book I am writing. It brought up a lot of past issues that I stuffed away when I was honorably discharged in 1999. Those I interviewed also had their own personal experiences and areas of undealt with trauma. It is extremely beneficial to continue speaking about our issues to work through them. This helps us move into processing and eventual acceptance of the events that occurred in our past. Reconnecting with other veterans is extremely beneficial since they can relate, whereas others may sympathize but can’t truly connect on a personal experience level. It’s also tremendously helpful to find a good counselor and, if necessary, get prescribed appropriate medication to solve any chemical imbalances.

King David recognized his pain from his past and acknowledged it to God. He knew he was merely human and only through our heavenly Father would he have a chance of overcoming his pain. “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16-17).

Acceptance isn’t always an uplifting stage, but it does allow you to process the past. It allows you to accept what has happened, and the impact it made, not be reactive to triggers, and provides a foundation to begin moving forward in healing. This is the beginning of hope for the future.

Romans 12:12 shows us that through life’s unfair tribulations we must remain steadfast in His word. We must choose to find joy in our hearts amid chaos, never losing hope in Jesus. Having patience can be difficult but is necessary to persevere through the impossible times. There will always be ups and downs and potential triggers but placing our hope in Him is the only path to total victory.

Daily Journal

Build on your past journal entries to capture areas where you’ve either reached acceptance or areas you feel you need to reach acceptance. Labeling the event for what it was is a very powerful thing. When it has a label, it can then be properly dealt with. There is hope!

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