11/11/2021
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Today we take some time to remember members of the armed forces. It is a day when we reflect on past & present wars to remember that people have sacrificed their lives to fight for what they believe in and laid the foundation for our present way of life.
It was on November 11th @ 11 am in 1918 that the Allies and the German Empire agreed to put down their arms and stop fighting during the First World War. This was supposed to be a day to end all wars, but we all know that the fighting has continued both on and off the battlefield & is a present day reality for many across the world.
The latest conflict closest to home is the Afghan War (Oct. 7, 2001 – Aug. 30, 2021) and although you see an end date, there are still members of the armed forces in Afghanistan.
Let us remember that the effects felt on individual members of the armed forces, particularly veterans, ripples onto their families, friends and then into society. Just because the fighting has ended it does not mean the distress & pain has.
Most people can associate post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) with war veterans
**BUT**
PTSD effects people for reasons such as:
childhood trauma
domestic abuse
assault
& much more.
Further, PTSD doesn't stop at harming the individual, it goes on to harm friends, family and even offspring.
This means that harm done from the stress of war has spread from war veteran to their children and grandchildren.
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Why am I bringing this up? Why does this matter?
I would like to have discussions about stress and it's tangible effects on our bodies and behaviours. I believe that the ripple effects of these experiences are hindering our communities & that if more people became aware of the tools we have to heal, our communities would heal.
Look out for a post about stress in the near future.
We all hear the word stress being thrown around but what does stress mean to you? How does stress effect your body & how is it passed down to your children?