The latest chapter of Transitioning Home is intense, especially the end. It is shocking and a slap in the face and hurts. And is the kind of fucked up situation that someone could find themselves in during battle. This story does not deal with only the PTSD aspects of Thomas' life but they are a part of his story. Any vet who has done time in combat can tell you that. Facing intense situations and screwed up situations changes you in profound ways. That is one of the transitions that Thomas has to deal with. He has to get part of his mind out of the desert and back to the states. Thankfully his therapist is skilled with dealing with all of this and Thomas is on the right track. But healing hurts.
I am sorry if this triggers people but that does fade as more healing occurs. He is in the darkest part of his soul now.
Comments
Latest Chapter -Transitioning Home
Heather, I learned a lot chatting with Jill Micayla about PTSD when I asked for her advice in my story Military Wife. http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/20541/military-wife read her comments,
May Your Light Forever Shine
I am very, very familiar with
I am very, very familiar with PTSD and don't really need advice on how to write it. I appreciate what you are trying to do but when it is clear that I am trying to make sure people are okay with the content of the chapter and not asking for advice on how to write then perhaps you should focus on that. This latest chapter can be very triggering for some people and is very intense. The dream/recollection of Iraq is very traumatic and can hit people very powerfully, especially if they have a degree of PTSD themselves. Thus I was concerned for my readers.
This concern does not mean that I need to know how to write what is obviously a very clear and visceral depiction of PTSD. I suffer from from this, though not directly related to war, and have spoken to a lot of veterans who have suffered with this. Their stories were very powerful and taught me a great deal. I clearly learned what I needed to. But what I also learned is that depictions of these events to trigger episodes. Thus I have cautions on Transitioning Home and I posted this blog post, to check in with people. I want to make sure they are okay and know that this is as bad as it gets.
I honestly do not need any more help in presenting this particular problem. Besides, the story is done and has been done for a few years. The only thing I am doing is making sure that everything is tidy. So thank you for your concern, but I got this.
Heather
We are the change that will save the world.
Thank you!
...I have a great deal to be thankful regarding the fiction here for so many reasons, and I hope that I have expressed that to the writers here. I would, however, like to mention two in particular in the context of my own issues with post traumatic stress disorder. Stephanie, whom most of you know by her Cyclist nom de plume, has provided strikingly gritty portrayals of human relationships as several of her characters in many of her stories are dealing with the dual diagnoses of PTSD and GID.
And Heather has provided yet another equally compelling story here. The title alone grabbed my attention. While the reasons for my illness are different than Thomas, the challenge of dealing with gender dysphoria and PTSD at the same time are daunting as well. Thomas' story, however it plays out, has pulled me along with the dilemma of wanting to both flee and embrace the portrayal.
My first therapist told me quite a while back that you can't run away from it nor should you try to bring memories about; the mind will do what it will do when it is ready. So like with Steph's stories, I walk slowly through Heather's tale here. I know that she has my best interest at heart as she brings Thomas home; in several pieces right now, I expect, but soon to begin to integrate into that whole person, whomever he or she may be. Thank you.
Love, Andrea Lena
PTSD
First let me thank you Heather for being able to so eloquently put into words what others have no idea exists.. having suffered for the last 50 years from this isnt a good thing but is proof that coping is possible.. Life is so very precious to us all & wandering through it can be painfulas hell.. however learning to forgive yourself for percieved wrongs is the first step in getting by .I know from experienc but will say this for anyone who needs a shoulder to lean on, this old SEAL is here for you just contact me