A soldier with PTSI fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. When a SNCO walked by the Soldier called out for help, but the SNCO yelled back, "Suck it up son, dig deep and drive on," then threw him a shovel. The Soldier did as he was told and dug that hole deeper.
A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier called out for help again. The Officer told him "use the tools your SNCO has given you", then threw him a bucket. The Soldier used the tools and he dug the hole deeper still and filled the bucket.
A psychiatrist walked by. The Soldier called, “Help! I can’t get out!” so the psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, "Take this. It will relieve the pain and you will forget about the hole.” The Soldier said "thanks" and followed his advice, but when the pills ran out he was still in the hole.
A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Soldiers cries for help. He stopped and asked, “How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness.” So the Soldier talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier thanked him, but he was still in the hole.
A former Soldier, just like him, happened to be passing by. The Soldier with PTSI cried out, “Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole!” and right away the old Soldier jumped down in there with him. The Soldier with PTSI started to panic and said, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck down here!” But the old Digger just smiled and replied, “It’s okay, breathe brother. I’ve been here before I know how to get out.”
No matter what you're going through, you are never alone.
But don't be too proud to SHOUT OUT!, 'HELP I'm stuck in this Hole' …...
We all get stuck in a hole from time to time but all it takes is to ask your mates for help and we will be there even if we have to jump in that hole with you.
Having a lived experience and knowing what its like to suffer with PTSI and learn how to manage it, has it's advantages for me.