Hi all, I know it’s been a while since I posted. I just wanted to inform everyone that their is a VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR every week-end i.e. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This fair is for readers & authors. Readers can find new books they’d like to read, and get in on the edge before they become BEST SELLERS:) Also I’d like to hear some of your stories that relate to PTSD, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse and living with Bipolar. If you have any stories you’d like to share with us, reply to this post or send me an email lori@loris-song.com and I will post it for you (let me know if you’d like anonymity or I can use your name. I’d love to hear how other people deal with these disorders. I’ve posted a lot of informational stuff, but I plan on sharing my stories too. Thank you for belonging to the group. IF YOUR AN AUTHOR and you’d like to have your book one of them featured in the book fair, go to this website and you will find the directions on what you have to do. Regardless of what date is there it’s the same every week, just the date changes. So you can have a chance not only to share your book but an excerpt as well (lonnnngg or short), it’s a GREAT FAIR, and I sold over 10 books this week-end. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169126186575183/ Take care all, and be safe returning to school and back from vacation. Also if there is ever a time you need to share something with the group, let me know at my email address or reply to the specific subject matter. Lori
Mental Health Issues
To LIVE or EXIST?
Today is one of those “BAD” days, where you have to force yourself out of bed, and look outside and say I’m lucky to be alive and with someone who loves me. There was nothing special that happened to make me so apathetic or sad, just another day in the life of a bipolar, addict, PTSD survivor and sexual abuse survivor. I think having one of these is bad enough and GOD I can empathize with your moods, but I think the reigning disorder that makes me feel like I do today is called BIPOLAR.
Now I’m not sure if adding all of the above with the bipolar does anymore to me or less, but I know my bipolar has changed since I was younger. When I was younger and went on manic episodes I was creative, proud, confident and got things accomplished *just in a lot shorter time period:). But now all I get is “she’s manic again”. No one lets me express me or let me bask in the moment of confidence and wanting to accomplish the world, instead it’s a BAD THING to be manic. I’m sure there are bad episodes of being manic, but I’m sure there are GOOD PRODUCTIVE ONES too. The medication that were on doesn’t really help either. It helps those around us (because were apathetic and don’t make their lives anymore confusing) but for us it is like the loss of “LIFE”. I don’t mind being stable and I’m pretty sure I don’t get out of control like I used to, but I still enjoy my manic days, and no one can understand that. I’m writing this to get YOUR INPUT on how you view your bipolar.
Now on to substance abuse. I speak now at a rehab facility, and one thing I say (WHICH IS MY BELIEF) if you don’t have anyone to get clean for then your not going to get clean. I know they preach about doing it for “YOURSELF” but I still say unless you have a motivating factor that bugs your conscience about not wanting to do drugs anymore than I don’t think you’d get clean. If I were alone and had no one that loved me, I would have never went to rehab, I probably would have done MORE DRUGS! When you finally find a reason to live albeit health recovery or someone you meet then you have a DESIRE to quit and seek out that new life with the person you love. Now don’t get me wrong and think I mean you have to have a “LOVER” or B/F or G/F, I mean anyone that cares about you and wants you clean to the point that you finally get tired of seeing that person hurt. It could be a child, a spouse or mother or BFF, hell it could be your pet.
Now on to the cravings, I’m on this drug called SUBOXONE, and I’m taking 4 8mg/2mg tabs a day, this is NOT what people normally take. They usually are weaned off this drug before leaving the clinic. But since I’ve been severely injured in IRAN, and suffer from so many pain issues they decided to keep me on this dose, so I wouldn’t go back to pain pills. Virtually I gave up one addiction for another, since these pills are narcotics. They are also supposed to help you not crave ANYTHING you have abused in your past. BS, every time I see a movie where someone is doing coke, I get such an urge it isn’t funny. The only difference now is I DON’T GIVE IN TO MY CRAVINGS, although sometimes I do try to do a logic summation of IF I did give in, how would this not hurt me.
Now onto PTSD, where no one understands how noises, smells, or certain situations can leave you feeling nervous or even worse make you feel like your going to die in that moment, because you feel like you’ve been there before. Well you have been there before they are called flashbacks, and anything can trigger them, a loud noise a TV show like Law & Order SVU (rapes), a certain smell, (these happen to me a lot) but it’s really like your back to that moment in time which was your HELL ON EARTH. People don’t get it or they think were faking it for attention, I just want to make people aware that these things are VERY REAL, and the best thing to deal with them is a loving supportive friend or pet.
In a synopsis I just wanted to point out how I feel during these and because of these events and WELCOME YOUR INPUT on how you deal with life under the circumstances of one of these disorders. Your INPUT will not only help me it could help others realize different ways to deal with them. PLEASE COMMENT!!!
Also I feel better now that I’ve written this and vented a little. And remember we have TWO CHOICES IN LIFE, to LIVE it or just EXIST in it, you decide, God Bless.
The “keep quiet cause no one will believe you” crime!
Childhood sexual abuse, is the “hush-hush” crime. Most who go through it are scared to death to tell anyone out of fear of not being believed, or fearing their molester so bad that they just keep quiet. My experience was no different.
I was 10 years old when my brother started playing this “tickle” game with me. It started out with you tickle my foot and I’ll tickle yours, then it advanced to tickling other things. I was mortified the first time it happened. My brother was 8 years older than me and I was the only adopted child in the family, so I think he justified it due to this. (not being his REAL sister). I know my mom must have known but my brother was her FAVORITE and he could do no wrong, so I was really confused. Do I tell my mom and have her hate me because I said something bad about her baby, or do I keep doing it to get her approval.
I remember when it started happening, I became so frightened when my parents would leave the house and I was left there with him and my sisters, I started banging on the screen door once screaming for them not to go, I banged so hard my hand went through a glass door. Don’t you think my mom should have realized something??? All of a sudden I start going nuts anytime she leaves the house. But she never said anything when he did other cruel acts to me. Once he called me out to the garage and had my bunny hanging upside down in his hands and then he hit it over and over again on the head and killed it, and we ATE IT THAT NIGHT FOR DINNER. I truly thought it was chicken then my brother blurted out it was my bunny, I ran from the table and threw up. My brother never had intercourse with me until he knew for sure that I had already experienced it at age 13. I won’t say too much because this is in my book, but I will summarize it by saying at age 15 I emancipated myself from my family and got married, so I could escape the house where my hell was being played out. I couldn’t believe my mom and dad let me go so easily, but they did.
Now I know I’m not the only one who has been abused but I wanted to share my story so you know it’s OK TO TALK ABOUT IT! There are places to go for help, there is counseling for those who have been through it, you don’t have to KEEP QUIET ANY LONGER!!!
I beg you all to get the help you need and for the rest of you to LISTEN when someone is trying to tell you of an incident like this. Most of us feel uncomfortable when someone starts telling us something like this and we are unsure of what to do, so I will give you some resources. Also some behaviors to look for that might indicate someone is being molested.
Behavior you may see in a child or adolescent
- Has nightmares or other sleep problems without an explanation
- Seems distracted or distant at odd times
- Has a sudden change in eating habits
- Refuses to eat
- Loses or drastically increases appetite
- Has trouble swallowing.
- Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal
- Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues
- Writes, draws, plays or dreams of sexual or frightening images
- Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places
- Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child
- Talks about a new older friend
- Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts without reason
- Thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad
- Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge
Signs more typical of younger children
- An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking)
- Has new words for private body parts
- Resists removing clothes when appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering)
- Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games
- Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal
- Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
Signs more typical in adolescents
- Self-injury (cutting, burning)
- Inadequate personal hygiene
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Sexual promiscuity
- Running away from home
- Depression, anxiety
- Suicide attempts
- Fear of intimacy or closeness
- Compulsive eating or dieting
Physical warning signs
Physical signs of sexual abuse are rare. If you see these signs, bring your child to a doctor. Your doctor can help you understand what may be happening and test for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Pain, discoloration, bleeding or discharges in genitals, anus or mouth
- Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements
- Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
WHAT TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING
- The typical advice “Don’t Talk to Strangers” doesn’t apply in this case. Most sexual perpetrators are known to their victims.
- Do not instruct children to give relatives hugs and kisses. Let them express affection on their own terms.
- Teach your children basic sexual education. Teach them that no one should touch the “private” parts of their body. A health professional can also help to communicate sex education to children if parents are uncomfortable doing so.
- Develop strong communication skills with your children. Encourage them to ask questions and talk about their experiences. Explain the importance of reporting abuse to you or another trusted adult.
- Teach your children that sexual advances from adults are wrong and against the law. Give them the confidence to assert themselves against any adult who attempts to abuse them.
- Make an effort to know children’s friends and their families.
- Instruct your child to never get into a car with anyone without your permission.
- Teach your children that their bodies are their own. That it is OK to say they do not want a hug or that certain kinds of contact make them uncomfortable.
- It is important to remember that physical force is often not necessary to engage a child in sexual activity. Children are trusting and dependent and will often do what is asked of them to gain approval and love.
What to do if you think a child you know has been the victim of sexual abuse
- Give the child a safe environment in which to talk to you or another trusted adult. Encourage the child to talk about what he or she has experienced, but be careful to not suggest events to him or her that may not have happened. Guard against displaying emotions that would influence the child’s telling of the information.
- Reassure the child that he or she did nothing wrong.
- Seek mental health assistance for the child.
- Arrange for a medical examination for the child. Select a medical provider who has experience in examining children and identifying sexual and physical trauma. It may be necessary to explain to the child the difference between a medical examination and the abuse incident.
- Be aware that many states have laws requiring that persons who know or have a reason to suspect that a child has been sexually abused must report that abuse to either local law enforcement officials or child protection officials. In all 50 states, medical personnel, mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement personnel are required by law to report suspected abuse
Where to go for help
Several organizations can provide information and advice about child sexual abuse, including: BUT REMEMBER IF YOU SUSPECT IT, IMMEDIATELY GET THE CHILD TO A HOSPITAL FOR EXAMINATION AND NOTIFY POLICE PERSONNEL IF NECESSARY. BUT GET THE CHILD OUT OF IMMINENT DANGER!!!!! ALSO THERE IS A HELPLINE Helpline 1.888.PREVENT
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children 407 South Dearborn Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 554-0166 http://www.apsac.org/
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Charles B. Wang International Children’s Building 699 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3175 24 hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST http://www.missingkids.com/
Child Help USA 15757 North 78th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (800) 4-A-CHILD http://www.childhelpusa.org/
Prevent Child Abuse America 332 S. Michigan Ave Suite 1600 Chicago, IL 60604-4357 (800) CHILDREN http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml
Child Welfare Information Gateway (formerly National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information) Children’s Bureau/ACYF 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW Eighth Floor Washington, DC 20024 (800) 394-3366 http://www.childwelfare.gov/
Also remember that most childhood sexual abuse survivors suffer from PTSD later in life, so it’s very important to get into counseling to “get control”. I hate using the word RESOLVE, because personally I don’t think issues can be RESOLVED, I think they can only be MANAGED. Thank you, Lori
I hope this gives some insight to this epidemic. It is too bad we live in a world where I would even THINK of writing a post like this, but the sad truth is WE DO, and we have to protect our children. Thanks, Lori
PTSD- Your not alone!
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something terrible and scary that you see, or that happens to you, like:
- Combat exposure
- Child sexual or physical abuse
- Terrorist attack
- Sexual or physical assault
- Serious accidents, like a car wreck
- Natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake
During a traumatic event, you think that your life or others’ lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening around you. Most people have some stress-related reactions after a traumatic event; but, not everyone gets PTSD. If your reactions don’t go away over time and they disrupt your life, you may have PTSD.
My experience was, FLASHBACKS.
You also have something called “FLASHBACKS”. These are what I suffered from in addition to the above symptoms. When I returned from Iran and the torture I suffered there, I started having what were called “non-epileptic” seizures. These are real seizures but can not be traced to epilepsy as the cause. I also had flashbacks, and when I suffered from these I would all of a sudden just leave this world and return to the location where I suffered all the pain and torture. I would either see something that reminded me of that place or etal. Then I would either try to start physically hitting myself or banging my head against the wall or floor, I would talk in farsi (the language of Iran). I would push people away from me because I was afraid they were coming to rape me. This is a horrible mental disorder that is suffered by many people with trauma in their life. Veterans are also a big population that suffers from it.
How does PTSD develop?
Most people who go through a trauma have some symptoms at the beginning. Only some will develop PTSD over time. It isn’t clear why some people develop PTSD and others don’t.
Whether or not you get PTSD depends on many things:
- How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted
- If you were injured or lost someone important to you
- How close you were to the event
- How strong your reaction was
- How much you felt in control of events
- How much help and support you got after the event
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not appear until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. If the symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, cause you great distress, or interfere with your work or home life, you might have PTSD.
There are four types of symptoms of PTSD
- Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms)
You may have bad memories or nightmares. You even may feel like you’re going through the event again. This is called a flashback.
2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.
3. Feeling numb
You may find it hard to express your feelings. Or, you may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy. This is another way to avoid memories.
4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal)
You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as hyperarousal.
I suffered from all of the above but at different times. My main symptoms or events were feeling keyed up, and feeling numb. Unlike the above I would purposely NOT avoid stressful situations because I thought I HAD TO GET ON WITH REAL LIFE, so if I avoided every stressful situation then I wouldn’t be able to function. This included watching TV shows like Law & Order SVU, which dealt with a lot of rapes and childhood sexual abuse *both of which I’ve suffered from. I can’t say these shows don’t affect me because they do at times, and I have to quit watching, but I think (my own opinion not professional) that if I keep dealing with life on it’s terms then it will all work out in the end.
Plus I have a WONDERFUL SUPPORTIVE MAN who has given and put up with so much of my downfalls and also the accomplishments that makes me blessed to have him in my life.
What other problems do people with PTSD experience?
People with PTSD may also have other problems. These include:
- Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair
- Depression or anxiety
- Drinking or drug problems
- Physical symptoms or chronic pain
- Employment problems
- Relationship problems, including divorce
In many cases, treatments for PTSD will also help these other problems, because they are often related. The coping skills you learn in treatment can work for PTSD and these related problems.
Needless to say I’ve suffered from all the above, but counseling and the right doctors can help you TREMENDOUSLY. Most of the above symptoms are now under control to a level that I can function in HIGH capacity. (Not HIGH to mean on drugs:))
What treatments are available?
When you have PTSD, dealing with the past can be hard. Instead of telling others how you feel, you may keep your feelings bottled up. But treatment can help you get better. There are two main types of treatment, psychotherapy (sometimes called counseling) and medication. Sometimes people combine psychotherapy and medication. I personally don’t advocate some of the treatments below, while I don’t believe medication should be a cure all either, I believe a MD, and a therapist who has a LOT of experience with PTSD patients are your best bet. But again these are my opinions.
Psychotherapy for PTSD
Psychotherapy, or counseling, involves meeting with a therapist. There are different types of psychotherapy:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for PTSD. There are different types of CBT. such as cognitive therapy and exposure therapy.
- One type is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) where you learn skills to understand how trauma changed your thoughts and feelings.
- Another type is Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy where you talk about your trauma repeatedly until memories are no longer upsetting. You also go to places that are safe, but that you have been staying away from because they are related to the trauma.
- A similar kind of therapy is called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This therapy involves focusing on sounds or hand movements while you talk about the trauma.
-
Medications for PTSD
Medications can be effective too. A type of drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is also used for depression, is effective for PTSD. Another medication called Prazosin has been found to be helpful in decreasing nightmares related to the trauma.
IMPORTANT: Benzodiazepines and atypical antipsychotics should generally be avoided for PTSD treatment because they do not treat the core PTSD symptoms.
Where to Get Help for PTSD
Are you are in crisis? You have options:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) or Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor To have a private chat with a veterans counselor who has experience with PTSD go to the link below.
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx?account=Veterans%20Chat/
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National Institute of Mental Health’s Anxiety HOTLINE 1-888-826-9438
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Online support forum: http://www.findthelight.net/forum/login.asp
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National Center for PTSD – The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) conduct cutting edge research and apply resultant findings to: “Advance the Science and Promote Understanding of Traumatic Stress.” Fact sheets, videos, and more about trauma to help answer your questions about PTSD and related issues.
www.ncptsd.va.gov
- National Resource Directory – The National Resource Directory (NRD) provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline – The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors who can provide crisis assistance and information about shelters, legal advocacy, health care centers and counseling. There is also a toll-free number for the hearing impaired, 1-800-787-3224
www.thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) - The National Sexual Assault Hotline – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
www.rainn.org
1-800-656-HOPE This number will direct callers to a local rape crisis center - National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Hotline
www.ncadd.com
1-800-622-2255 - SAMHSA – works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services.
www.samhsa.gov
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
I’ve tried not only to include the numbers and websites for help for PTSD but for those disorders that might be the ROOT cause of why we suffer from it. I only wish ALL of you well. I know how important it is to have resources and many people don’t know where to go or look for links or numbers so I hope that I’ve helped some of you out. If you need ANYTHING, please don’t hesitate to email me at lori@loris-song.com and put PTSD in the subject line. I will help you in any way I can within my capabilities. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Thanks for reading, Lori
One song does not an album make
I would like to share with all of you some sites that I thought were very interesting because they touched on the very subjects that are dear to my heart, such as CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE. These sites also have another common thread they are named exactly like my site except with the suffix of .ORG rather than .COM. I just wanted to share these sites because they can help us out too with their information:
it also has the website of
I found this rather odd, but instead of getting all “territorial” I decided to share it with you. We all need resources in times of need and this seems like a very worthy website.
Here are some other resources for those in need or crisis: Maybe you know someone who might be at risk or suffer from: PTSD, Depression, suicidal behavior or thoughts, childhood sexual abuse, bipolar, substance abuse or other event where they might need someone to talk to.
Crisis and support lines
Veterans ~ 1-877-838-2838 ( 1-877-VET-2VET )
Youth ~ 1-877- 968-4843 ( 1-877-YOUTHGUIDE )
National Sexual Assault hotline – 1.800.656.HOPE
Crisis Clinic – 866.4CRISIS – 866 427 4747
Crisis Services – 716.834.3131
Crisis support services – 1.800.SUICIDE/ 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
National Hopeline Network – 1.800.784.2433
En Española ~ 1-800-784-2432 ( 1-800-SUI-CIDA )
CANADA RESOURCES:
- Canada – 1-800-232-7288 – or 911 – http://www.dcontario.org/
- Canada: (514) 723 4000
- Canada Crisis Counselors National Hotline 1-800-448-3000 . TTY – National Hotline 1-800-448-1833
- Canada (French) – 1-866-277-3553 – http://www.cepsd.ca/
I only wish you ALL the very best and if I can help with anything please don’t hesitate to email me at: lori@loris-song.com I will answer any questions you might have, or if you just need someone to listen to you. I can’t guarantee that I have a lot of time or that I’m on the computer a lot but I will definitely give it my best shot. Maybe together we can help prevent another suicide, homicide or mass killings like Newtown.
After all RECOGNIZING MENTAL ILLNESS is the FIRST STEP in preventing any harm from coming in its path.
God Bless you ALL,
Lori
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