Walking the Walk. Fuck the talking.

So I started this blog a number of years ago, as you probably can see if you are so inclined to to check out the dates on previous postings, as a way to share some of my thoughts with those may have been interested. Looking back on it meow, it seems like an extremely self absorbed thing to do, to some degree, but I still think that the underlying concept holds value.
With that being said, I am starting to jot some shit down on here now for a completely different reason, while still holding true to the initial concept from before.
Wether you know it or not, you all probably know at least one person that is having a tough go in respect to mental health and well being. With any luck, they are open with you and you are able to chat about things to help lighten their load perhaps. But more often than not, these discussion never come to fruition, and the individuals that are being weighed down make a valiant attempt at shouldering their load by themselves. Sometimes they are successful, and other times they are not.
Over the past few years, we have seen a spike in the latter unfortunately.
One may be able to blame this on the anti-socialness that is a product of all of todays social media. The lack of human connection that is being driven by the hundreds of platforms out there, that are suppose to help us connect. The attempt to monetize every second of every day, rather than seeing the true value of that time. A general culture that seems to value personal satisfaction and/or gain over the greater good of those around you. The need for everyone to be an individual rather than trying to be part of something bigger than any one individual can ever be. Or a host of other shifts in society that are inadvertently driving us all apart, rather than pulling us together. Although this is all speculative on my behalf, one thing is for certain, we are heading in the wrong direction in regards to mental health.
So all that brings me back to why I have started story telling again. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in a pilot program a few weeks ago that was put on by Wounded Warriors Canada and our Local. The initial steps of this program include an intake Q&A performed by a Phycologist to see where you are at, and what your expectations are of the training. I had been throwing around the idea to start seeing a Phycologist for a couple months, and it became quite apparent during this chat that it would probably be a good idea:)
Fast forward a couple weeks and I found myself meeting my head shrinker (That is a term of endearment, not criticism) during my first session. I was lucky enough to hit it off with this gal and the shoe fit first try. (Sometimes it takes a couple of goes to find the right person you can chitty chat with, which is normal. Just like making friends. Some people stay as an acquaintance, and others you end up marrying.) Anyhow, it was an enlightening, and more importantly, enjoyable and empowering experience to say the least. While I would not consider myself as suffering any great deal with things, it has become apparent that I do have a couple wild ones on board this flight, and I best learn how to deal with the little fuckers before a whole gang of them get together and high jack the plane.
The process thus far has been painless. Between the BOS Program and my first sit down, I can honestly say I should have got this ball rolling some time ago. (Hindsight is always 20-20, but it is better late than never)
I hope to gain 3 things throughout this ongoing adventure.

1. A personal bench mark of where I am at currently to ensure I stay on the path and do not start wandering too far into the woods. 
2. Education on the mental health side of the house, as well as perspective on life and the stresses that we all face. Both of which I can pass on to friends and colleagues. 
3. Exercise for the hamster on the wheel inside my big nog nog. Those that know me, know that I like to keep in some sort of physical shape, but my hamster may be a little bit of a chunky ass monkey, if you know what I am saying. Just like our bodies, I believe our brains need the same ongoing maintenance to stay on point.

The biggest goal of yapping about the process on here, is to break down the walls that seem to surround people when it comes to their mental health. I hear so much talk from every direction about how we need to "break down the stigma surrounding PTSD* and other mental health issues. Which is undeniably true, but in order to do that we need to risk talking about them, as the results of not talking are too great. 

Like I said previously, I do not think that I suffer any great deal and can not begin to comprehend how someone feels when they feel there is nowhere to turn, but I am a huge believer in the power of the human spirit when it is supported. One of the biggest takeaways that I have received so far is the importance of connection. Real connection with the people around you. One small interaction is all it sometimes takes to nudge someone back on the path. And more importantly, through that one interaction, you make a connection with that person. A connection that could materialize in a phone call if and/or when they need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend.

I am going to keep keeping on with this banter until the stories around the kitchen table start to include, "So I was at my head shrinkers on days off and you will never guess what the fuck we ended up chatting about."

If anyone has any questions about how to access things, wants to talk (day/night), needs to come to my place to jack some steel in the garage gym, or anything else I can help with, drop me a line. I always have time for ya. Always, No shit. 403-690-0115

Until my next therapy session,

AJ

*Disorder=dis-order. Things are just out of order. Not permanently fucked up. A new perspective on that term that was brought to my attention during the BOS Program.