Do you sometimes feel scattered? Are you anxious about many things? Do you have questions about your purpose and your mission in life? Would you like to become more grounded, focused and relaxed? Do you have a desire to feel more connected on a soul level? Are you concerned about your overall state of health? Do you feel as though something is missing?
Have you ever come to a place where you feel disoriented about your direction in life? It's as if you come to a screeching halt, like hitting a wall! You ask yourself, what am I doing? Where am I going in my life? How will I get there? Confusion and frustration set in and life becomes this giant puzzle, something is missing!
Fear creeps in and overwhelming thoughts race through your mind. You begin to panic, as your heart pounds. The feelings are coming out of nowhere. Your desire is to run, but there is no safe place in sight.
Stop? Breathe? Accept the feeling? Give yourself permission to feel anxious? Calm yourself with positive self-talk? Let Go!
If you have ever experienced this before it's O.K. In fact, it's necessary. Anxiety is a trigger to let you know you are headed in the wrong direction. It is a compass in life to get you back on course. When the feelings come?Stop?Breathe? then recognize why you're experiencing these feelings and surrender to them. This does not mean giving up or giving in, it simply means letting go. Accept and trust the reason this occurred. Be still, be quiet, and meditate on this. Peace is the answer. When conflict arises, seek peace, the absence of conflict.
" Seek Peace and Pursue it " Psalm 34:14
To obtain peace you must begin with a clean slate, a renewing of the mind from harmful emotions that can affect your body. You must cleanse your heart from bitterness, resentment, and lack of forgiveness. Peace is a sense of serenity, calmness, and balance within oneself. Be open to receive peace. This connects you to your inner counselor? the Holy Spirit. This is your guide to your purpose, assisting you in arriving at your goals.
Exploring and developing one's inner self cultivates a foundation for peace. Discovering and giving gratitude for who you are becomes an extension of your behavior. Hope and joy are instilled within, the deepest form of happiness. This is given freely to others, easily, graciously, generously, simply by your presence. To be with one another in silent, calm communication, attracting new relationships. More powerful than words, effortlessly reaching each other's souls. This is a passive side to peace, however, in order for peace to be maintained, you must be assertive. In the world today, one step can rob you of your peace.
As you take this journey, know you will strive to keep peace, this is a continual process; let the Holy Spirit guide you. Peace is the product of faith, belief in that which is unseen. It takes strong will to maintain. Remember peace is drawn to you by feeling. Remain in your power. You are led by your decision; choose peace. With this decision comes persistence, by desire and passion, to live the ultimate life God has promised. A life of forgiveness and a life of love. You are content within your core. The overall sense of well being within you and through you, you gain a feeling of wholeness and totality. You are released from the darkness of your past, for it has brought light to your future. You are abundant in every way and your cup is filled. Let it overflow with blessings to others. You live out your purpose, content with who you are, grateful for what you have, peace in your heart and mind. Never before could you imagine such joy and happiness. Life is Good!
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:6,7
In yet another GAO report released on February 16, the investigative agency questions whether the Veterans Affairs Department can adequately help troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with PTSD. This latest GAO report was requested by Rep. Lane Evans (D-Ill.), the House Veterans' Affairs Committee ranking Democrat. Data for the 2004 budget year show that fewer than half of those using VA health care are screened for PTSD. The report also said that "if veterans returning from combat do not have access to these services, many mental health experts believe that the chance may be missed to lessen the severity of symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for those with the disorder."
The VA contends that the report did not adequately describe the type of services for PTSD that the agency has provided over the past 20 years or its ability to provide such services in the future. In a reference to the GAO report, Dr. Jonathan Perlin, the VA's Acting Undersecretary for Health, said: "We take exception to this report," and noted that "the VA is a world leader in PTSD treatment."
GAO investigators said the VA has put in place only 14 of 24 recommendations from an advisory committee that Congress created, while the VA says it has completed seven. The bottom line, according to the report, is that the delay "raises questions about VA's capacity to identify and treat veterans returning from combat who may be at risk" for developing PTSD and maintaining treatment for veterans already receiving help.
PERCEPTION WARS
In early February, Col. Thomas Burke, Director of Mental Health Policy for the Department of Defense, said that the stigma for troops seeking mental health care "is a real problem," and that "there is a perception among the troops that seeking mental health care means you're weak or a coward and, frankly, we in the military foster that attitude." Burke also noted that "the biggest barrier to reducing stigma in the military is confidentiality."
In other words, troopers who self-identify themselves as suffering from PTSD or other forms of psychological trauma and then try to pursue medical help are running into difficulties. Perhaps that's the reason for an Army Times report of February 28 that "some troops in Iraq are taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil." On the other hand, this does little to explain The Guardian's report on February 17 that some scientists in South Carolina want to offer the street drug "Ecstasy" as a treatment for PTSD and are advertising for combat veteran volunteers. The scientists note that the drug-assisted therapy sessions last up to eight hours during which music is played.
COMMITTEE NOTES
The PTSD Awareness poster is hot off the presses. The committee decided to provide a copy to each of the 206 Vet Centers, as well as to each member who attends the San Mateo meeting of VVA's Conference of State Council Presidents. In addition, the committee has begun planning a one-day conference on the immediate mental health needs of veterans, especially those participating in the War on Terror. Lastly, with the assistance of the Government Relations staff, the committee chair submitted written testimony for the record to the VA's Veterans Readjustment group in mid-February.
Both Lynne Budde & Tom Berger are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lynne Budde has sinced written about articles on various topics from Alternative Medicine. Businesswoman, Friend, Collaborator, and Team player, Lynne Budde fulfills her Entrepreneurial Calling by offering a great service that enriches the lives of others. Together with other fellow BraveHeart Community members, her goal is to empower Women to. Lynne Budde's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.
Tom Berger has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vietnam Travel, Education Toys and Acne Treatment. Tom Berger is a writer for The VVA Veteran, the official voice of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. ? An organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. Learn more at