My husband has PTSD and we're struggling
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- My husband is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and he has been struggling with his mental health for several years now. It has been so insidious that him, I, and us as a couple have really struggled. It truly feels like we are at the start of the healing process at the recognition and acceptance phase.
We really wanted to share honestly about how our experience has been so far and what our plan is to get as much help as we need. We feel so incredibly fortunate that we have the love and support from so many amazing people and the access to resources through Veterans Affairs Canada.
If you or someone you love is going through this, you are not alone. I'll list the resources we have used below.
BOOK: Invisible Storm by Jason Kander
www.amazon.ca/Invisible-Storm...
VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA:
24/7 Assistance: 1-800-268-7708
Mental Health Supports: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/health...
Brian got set up with a Case Manager who helps him access the health care professionals he needs.
PTSD ARCTICLE (Brian found this helpful):
www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/it...
Much love,
Krys
Join my membership for a small fee per month! Visit this link to join: / @krystanorwick
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IG (Krysta): / krystanorwick
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IG (Brian): / briannorwick
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I love your honestly and transparency!
I too dismissed my PTSD diagnosis, until I had to finally admit that I was really messed up by it. Thank you Covid 19 for providing the space for me to realize I needed help. It slowly dawned on me that I also had CPTSD. I no longer have hyper vigilance, nightmares, shame etc. Therapy must focus on shrinking the supersized amygdala. And self compassion. I had no idea what self compassion was.
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm sorry to hear you also had to go through PTSD. But, I'm so happy to hear that you were able to find the space for yourself to recognize it and start the healing process. What an amazing accomplishment that you no longer have hyper vigilance, nightmares, shame, etc. Honestly, that makes us so optimistic for Brian's potential progress. It means the world to me that you shared this. Thank you ❤️
What a great team! I love how you both support and care about each other’s mental health. Communication is key. Safe travels. 🎉
Thanks so much!
Being in the American military for over twenty-eight years I've seen some of the struggles of military life. It is pretty foreign to someone who has not served.
thanks for your service both of you
Thank you both for being open.
So hard to go through for you both. However, healing is very possible with hard work, both in therapy and in finding healthy ways to deal with stress. I suffered from Chronic Complex PTSD for years. Finally found healing that helped immensely. I no longer suffer through pouts of deep depression or anger, plus no flashbacks. My father fought in the Korean War, was blown out of a foxhole. Never got the treatment that he need for PTSD. Ended up taking his life at the age of 54. Proud of your honesty, and the willingness to get the help you need. Wishing you the very best!!
New to your channel and been watching your PCT videos and came across this video of yours and wow it hits home!
My husband is an army combat vet (U.S) and so much of what you are saying is so true and resonate with us as well. We are at that same cross road where in the last year he has received his PTSD diagnosis and finally receiving the help he needs. It definitely affects the whole family and is reassuring to see other families navigating the same thing. We started van traveling with our two kids the last few years and hope to one day do the PCT.
Blessings to you both!!!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I am so glad your husband is finally getting the help he needs. The last year has been HUGE in terms of our healing and overall health. I really hope you see those changes too 💜💜💜
I, too, have “civilian PTSD” from traumatic childhood experiences. Talk therapy was very, very helpful. EMDR therapy definitely got me to a level of healing that was missing for me. I also highly recommend reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. My life has transformed! Sending love and healing to all. Everyone deserves a joyful and safe life❤
Thank you so much for sharing what worked for you. That kind of insight is invaluable! I am sorry to hear you have PTSD, and also really glad to hear you have found healing. Sending love ❤️
@@KrystaNorwick Thank you, Krista. You and your husband are wonderful together. And I can’t believe I forgot to say thank you to your husband for his service:)!
Thank you for being so vulnerable. Showing the ups and down of just not van life, but life itself. Great to see you both smile, even though you’re hurting. Wishing you strength in overcoming this bump in the road, called life. Safe travels 😀
Thank you so so much! Life really is made up of so many ups and downs. So appreciate you watching xoxo
For me (Marine: Desert Storm) mine slowly faded. The consequences were vivid at first but slowly faded. It likely took a year then a couple years for my deconstruction of the circumstances.
I am lucky. I know some dont transition or have a much longer transition.
This deconstruction process can create vast life changes which also bring stressors.
Thanks for your honesty, God bless you both!
Thank you for talking about this. You both are so brave and strong.
I’m a US Marine Corps vet who also struggles. It’s hard. there are good days and bad days. We also travel in a van part time and for me, that part of my life brings me happiness, peace, and something to look forward to. As I’ve interacted with other travelers, specifically in the Van community. I’ve also realized that, I am not alone and there are other people struggling who are both veterans and non-veterans. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Eric, thank you for sharing this with me. Now that we have been more open we have also heard from so many others who struggle with PTSD or other mental health issues. It is nice to know that we are not alone. I hope that one day travel in the van feels peaceful for Brian. But only time will tell. Wishing you all the best and thank you for watching ❤️
That's a difficult thing to share, congratulations to you both, I'm sure that this video will touch a lot of people. I'm very proud to say that I served with Brian and that he was an unfailing model of positivity, professionalism, and commitment to duty both at home and abroad. It pains me to know that his service is taking such a toll on your quality of life and happiness. I wish you both the absolute best as you move forward together through this process. Take care of each other.
Hi Chris, we really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for that. We are just so glad to know now what we are facing together and how I can best help Brian heal. It feels like we are exactly where we need to be right now. Wishing you all the best ❤️
Thank you for sharing your life behind the scenes. Sometimes it's difficult for met to connect with people who seem to not have problems in their personal lives. I watched the whole video. I feel very validated in my experience as I too have problems behind the scenes and am too hypervigilant and it effects my life and my relationship with my partner.
Thank you for sharing that. I think it helps so much to feel less alone. I'm sorry to hear you too are having some struggles, but I'm happy to know that us sharing our story has helped you feel validated. I wish you all the best! Thank you so much for watching!
It takes enormous strength of character to be as open and vulnerable about mental health issues as you have both been. I have walked my own road to recovery from PTSD, and while there are still triggers for me, I can say that with help, there is a lovely bright light at the end of that dark tunnel. Thank you for sharing. It’s so important for the stigma surrounding mental health. While my PTSD stems from childhood trauma, please know I’m here as another support (literally here in BC now) if you need it.
Hi Debra, that is so lovely to hear. Thank you so much for your support and for your vulnerability. We feel so much less alone now that we have shared about where we are at. ❤️
Wow. Thank you both so much for being honest and real and just so transparent and vulnerable. We as viewers aren't entitled to anything or owed anything and so just know that I don't take this for granted and am so grateful for your authenticity. Praying that this journey is healing for both of you in all the ways you need and looking forward to whatever I can glean along the way. Blessings and best of luck on your trip home!
🥹 thank you so much for this comment. It means so much to me to be able to share authentically when it feels right to do so. And knowing there is a safe space for the video to land with you means everything. Each step we take feels healing. Thanks for being here and following along ❤️
I wish all of the best of life for both of you. Thank you for exposing yourselves so that others can benefit from your experience. Very brave and very generous.
I’m happy for the two of you. My ex husband has CPTSD but he refuses to acknowledge it and it finally put me to the point where for my own health I had to leave.
I sent this to my children to watch and learn about their dad. Thank you. 😢🫶🏼🫂🫂
❤️❤️❤️ I'm so sorry you went through that. It's beyond challenging and really hard to even explain properly. I'm so glad you found our video helpful. And I'm also glad you were able to make the difficult decision to chose your own health. I hope one day your ex husband can acknowledge it and get the help he needs, because he deserves it just like anyone else. Sending you lots of love ❤️
Bless your hearts. Please know people love you and are pulling for you all the time.
Thanks for sharing your story, the more people talk about PTSD and share their stories the more people can feel supported and get help. Take care of yourself.
Very true! Thank you for your kind words Lori :)
So incredible to see your love and support for one another. Beautiful. I really respect your commitment and taking these tough decisions for healing and wellness.
I would love to see you back in BC.
Community building is so important, and not something our society is great at these days. And these videos are a step in that…allowing us in. Big hugs to you both. 💛💛⛺️😌
@@cfyfe7168 thanks so much!! It has been so important for us to lean on our community right now and we are so thankful we can. Thank you for your kind words and support 💜
Thank you for sharing. Your honesty in sharing your experience will help others.
Just came upon your video but following, belatedly, your 2023 PCT hike. Up to where Brian has joined you. I hope he's healing. I've found forest bathing and thought it might help reconnect with nature.
Thank you for making this video. I learned so much. Best wishes
I hope you both realize how many people you'll help doing this cathartic episode. Proud of you both!!!
So proud of you both for the vulnerability and openness to share your story and the difficult journey you have been on. Life is just that, a journey, with ups and downs, and crossroads such as this. I am so grateful that you finally have a diagnosis that will help explain what you are both going through and provide the direction needed for the next phase of your journey as you take steps to begin healing. Know that you are not alone, and that there is a whole community with you every step of the way ❤
Thank you so much Megan! We feel so incredibly supported in all areas, which we are beyond grateful for. Thank you for all your love and support ❤️
So proud of the two of you ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Daynes!! 💜💜💜
Thank you for being so open about your story. It must have not been easy. I wish you all the best for your mental health journey. You have been an inspiration for me, since I first found your videos on CZcams. ❤ Take care of yourself and each other.
Aw thank you so much, that is so amazing to hear ❤️. We are scared, but also excited for what lies ahead. Wishing you all the best xoxo
You are both very brave for sharing and trying to help others even through this trying time! I’m glad you have received the help you need! I’m here for you both! I love you 😍
Love you too! Thanks so much for all of your support. xoxo
Thanks for making this video. We have been going through the same thing. My husband is retired from the military and was injured in Iraq. We have been dealing with the aftermath and PTSD since he returned. It’s extremely difficult and very stressful especially when you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Be strong guys I know it’s rough now but it can get better
Thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you are going through this as well, but I must admit that hearing from you makes me feel so much less alone. I seriously relate to it being incredibly difficult and stressful, especially before we knew exactly what was going on. I'm finding it slightly less stressful now, but just as difficult. I am sending love and well wishes to you and your husband ❤️
So proud of you both for recognizing the cracks and taking the steps. And so grateful for the supports available to you both. Know that you are encouraged by loving friends and family as you learn, teach and heal. Always in our hearts.
Thank you so much for all your love and support Anne! We feel so incredibly fortunate that we have such wonderful people as our support network.
@@KrystaNorwick ❤
Thank you very much for sharing your story! I understand that coping with PTSD is an enormous struggle for anyone. Sharing your experience with the world is a very brave and a courage act. I'm sure that many people would appreciate your honesty and find strength from your story to deal with their own problems. I did.
I wish you guys all the best and I'm rooting for both of you. 🙏🙏🙏
That is so kind Ben, thank you so much! I’m glad sharing where we’re at helped you find strength, that is all we hoped for. Thanks for your support!
So impressed with you two for tackling this head on. Thanks for your candor, and for your insight. We're looking forward to having you back in BC.
Thanks so much Tom! Thanks for watching
Thank you for the courage you’ve demonstrated in adding to this conversation that, thankfully, is growing about mental health. In our family’s experience mental health is fluid, and like every other aspect of health (mental, physical, relational, environmental), require continued tools, time and attention to navigate. Your transparency is such a gift to others. Wishing you both well. ❤️
I really appreciate your insights Lauri. I have definitely experienced the fluidity of mental health. Wishing you well as well ❤️
Even though I love adventure, the mental health aspect of your videos is probably the main reason I keep watching. I also have felt so alone in my mental health struggles and it has been such a relief to relate to someone else. Thank you so much for sharing. Deep care for you two as you take this next important step!
Aw 💜💜 that means so much to hear! I often wonder if people will want to hear about mental health, but it’s such a big part of our lives and it’s so important to us. I am so glad it helps you feel less alone! Because you are definitely not alone in your struggles. Sending you love 💕
Hi Krysta & Brian,
It’s so great to hear that you’re choosing to do what feels right & is best for you both at this time (which is absolutely as it should be & is the most important thing).
Though it may be a little sad saying goodbye for the moment to the home on wheels that you built & created together, no matter when or whether you choose to return to van-life at some point, I’m sure your little home on wheels will be safe…& most importantly you’ll always have the foundations together & as individuals that enabled you to create it together.
Even though decisions & transition can be difficult things, it’s great that you feel these are the right things for you both at (& for) the moment, giving you both the chance to focus on whatever matters & feels right. Sometimes we’re led to believe that life is a linear journey that we’re supposed to follow, & to feel the need/ pressure to do so…although it often isn’t necessarily (& needn’t always be) something that follows a straight line, heads to a single place/ destination (or that even needs to be visible for us to know it’s there!).
It’s absolutely right to focus on the things that are important to you at any given moment, & to remember that sometimes our journey(s) can be as (or more) important than the destination(s)…& that those things which seem like detours can unexpectedly lead us to the perfect places along the way, making both the journey(s) & the destination(s) all the more special (& often helping is to determine/ know which of the paths feel right for us at that time, as well as which perhaps do not). Although it can often be hard to make the decision to detour/ change paths from the paths we’re currently on, it’s absolutely fine/ right to take all the time necessary to focus on whatever matters & feels right for you both, & on being wherever you need to be or wish to head towards (without unnecessarily feeling the need/ pressure to map out your journey(s) or destination(s)…& no matter whether that means taking things one hour, day, week or month at a time etc.).
It’s really great that you’re both happy that your decision right now is the right one for you both - it’s totally understandable that things may feel quite strange at the moment & may take some time adjusting & getting used to, & settling into (although I’m sure your decisions always be exactly what you need & will help in enabling you to follow all the directions, paths & journeys you hope & choose to now & in the future).
Hi Jo ❤️. Very well sad. I don't have much to add, except thank you for taking the time to write such wonderful words for us. It truly means so much. Life being about the journey and not the destination is something I have deeply come to know with my time long distance hiking. I was feeling a bit lost for a while, but now I'm starting to find my place in this new chapter of our lives. Thank you so much for your support and kindness.
Hypervigilance is a desired outcome of a strenuous military training regime as it is a predictor of how well you will perform in uniform. What they have never been able to do is reverse the process to help you transition to a normal life. It falls upon loved ones to help you through this. This is harder to do than it sounds as these behaviors are so ingrained in your psyche and have helped you cope with so many extraordinary events making you reluctant to let them go. Brian, they taught us that you're in the fight until you've lost your last resource. Fortunately you have your strongest resource sitting right beside you. I don't know how you'll beat this or even when it will happen but there is no doubt that you will. The man that comes out the other side of this will be caring, kind and extraordinary in so many ways. Keep up the fight, brother.
Aw Paul you drew tears to my eyes. Thank you for this incredibly thoughtful comment. I plan to keep sitting right beside Brian while he continues this transition. We are feeling hopeful that with time, treatment, and effort, he will start to feel better and better. I'll make sure he sees this comment. Wishing you all the best ❤️
Well spoken. I respect your honesty. Good luck with the healing process!
Hugs and prayers for you guys as you work through this transition. I think you sharing can encourage so many others. And what you share helps to show how important good and honest communication is, really not only in marriage but with any situation in life. Life can be so challenging even without the added difficulty of something like PTSD. Tack on van life, with its unpredictability, close quarters, being in unknown places, and sometimes the isolation. It can be a lot. I'm so glad you've been able to identify what's going on and figure out what is best for both of you. Steve and I are working hard to try to find balance with everything in our own adventures and making it a point to maintain connections and community especially when we're on the road. There's a lot to figure out!
Hugs right back at you two ❤️! It feels like it took us a while to finally figure out what was going on with Brian, but now that we have everything feels a little bit easier. And yes I completely agree, even in the best of health, there are many challenges associated with vanlife. It's really nice to hear that you are fostering community while on the road. I think that is just such a helpful way to feel connected. Wishing you all the best!
@@KrystaNorwick ❤️
We love you guys❤
Love you too ❤️
You've got a great guy there. He is willing! & obviously there is much love & dedication between you two!❤! That is the key. It will get much better. The help available now is amazing! My partner has passed but there wasn't the help in the 80's &90's there is Now.
In my past line of work I had to deal with death, grief, grizzly scenes etc. I don’t suffer from PTSD. I have bad memories but I have been able to deal with the events and emotions and not focus on myself. I know many therapist recommended doing a lot of soul searching, going over the trauma and self reflection but it made things worse for me! I allowed myself to initially grieve and cry and then move forward. I found the best salve is volunteering for others, giving to others and spending time outdoors. In my case self healing came once I looked outside of myself. I realize that each persons experience is unique but IF what you’re currently doing isn’t working, try doing something else! Don’t give up. And yes, Krysta you need to have a life to enjoy ❤️
I like seeing your love for one another. That must have been a tough decision to make but being near friends and family will give you both additional supports. Thank you for sharing your story. Hope to see you back in BC. Big hugs to you both. 💛⛺️😌
Thank you 💜💜! I’m so glad we are back near family and friends. We are so darn lucky we have them. We are already back in BC and I’m starting to get excited about making some BC videos! Thank you for watching 💜
I have thought a long time about how to respond to this week's vlog. And I cannot be as articulate about what I write as others who have responded have been. Nor do I have the experience. I was saddened to listen to your ongoing struggles with mental health and and your experiences with the ripple effects of PTSD. For quite some time, I felt something was amiss, but of course, didn't know what. I am happy to hear that you finally have received a diagnosis. Naming a problem is the first step towards working towards the goal of healing. I am thankful that you have connected with those who can offer you the supports you both need. I am also thankful you had the wisdom to put your travels on hold, and return to Canada so you both can participate in a healing process that is needed to bring peace - for your inner souls and for your relationship. There will be no rushing that process. I wish you well in that journey.
Thank you so much for your kind words Judy. It really does feel like the exact right step that we are making together. And it means so much to know you're cheering us on. ❤️
I like this. Thanks for sharing sending e-love
Thank you so much ❤️
Do worry too much. Time heals. At least you catch it
Thank you so much!! Yes time + treatment in this case. We are really glad to be on the right track now.
❤
Thank you ❤️
❤❤
Thanks friend! You have been an amazing support ❤️
Hi Bryan ❤
You Are going to Be fine , I have PTSD as well , its so bad for me I Have to Live Alone , = Trust Me = YOU will be FINE = You Have someone By your side That you Have An Unbreakable bond , i did not have such ( btw , its not anger , nor am i dangerous to someone - if you don`t know , you cannot understand )
Sorry to hear of your struggles as well. PTSD is such a difficult thing to navigate and I definitely understand why you have to live alone. I know that Brian and I are so fortunate that we have such a strong bond, it has been helping us get through it. I hope you have some support ♡
Lord Jesus, the Son of God, have mercy on me. Its rhe strongest prayer, you can repeat it in your head and your heart constantly. When you are walking, doing dishes, laying in bed etc. You need to be persistent, don't give up. It helps.
Having PTSD myself I wouldn’t put a loved one through having to deal with it.
Sure, they’re ways to manage it But it never goes away.
Having said that, I’d never move in with someone who has it. Save yourself a lot of time and get your own vans.
Or talk about it endlessley in a video
hello
Hello
What’s your expectation of this ?
We are hoping that with some treatment Brian's PTSD symptoms can improve and his mental health can improve! I know that's not the case for everyone, so we don't have any specific expectations. Just a hope that he can feel better to some capacity. And I'm happy to report that after a year of more intensive treatment, he has had some really beautiful progress!
Wow, this is all about how it's affecting the woman, as always.