It is a great feeling to find what you have been searching for. I have been approached by many individuals and groups to try and advocate various types of PTSD therapies. Some I tried and others I wasn't interested in. I have seen so many that I can't recall all the different methods. The VA is stuck in the old talk therapy and meds routine. YAWN... I have all but given up on the VA as many of my affiliates have. I recently called the VA to ask about a temporary prescription of an anti-depressant to help me out of a period of post-holiday blues. They said it would be three weeks before I could get in to be seen. Since then I have cleared the blues and continued on the road of personal recovery. I have come to the conclusion that there needs to be a three pronged approach to PTSD treatment. I believe that this is an issue that affects the mind, body and spirit. Of course we are all familiar with the problems of the mind, and for those suffering with PTSD you are most certainly aware of the effects on the body. We should not ignore the implications on the spiritual side of this issue.

     I have always proclaimed my faith, but I was hesitant to speak too much about it in the realm of OperationPTSD.com. I did not want to be seen as a religious monger trying to fix PTSD with the Gospel. Its is impossible to deny the impact that faith has on our lives. As the cliché says, "There are no atheists in a foxhole." Cliche's are called that for a reason, small pieces of wisdom that have been recognized over the years as ideas to be heeded. Faith gives us a foundation to stand on as a basis for our own personal identity. I think it is very important to have a starting point for the journey through the healing process. As a child of the most high God, I have my identity established and a promise that I will not be left alone to fight the battles here on earth. I also believe that God uses other people in our lives to help us along the way. He gives each of us a set of skills that we are to develop and use to benefit ourselves and others. He also instructs us to maintain fellowship with other believers so that we may draw strength from them and be in a position to receive the gifts they have been given. That being said, my point is that we must approach the healing process with all the tools and not leave any aspect uncovered as to avoid the pitfalls associated with traditional therapy methods. I am not suggesting that everyone adopt my personal beliefs but find your own place that God has made for you. From there anything is possible.

     As for the body, you cannot expect that you can function properly while neglecting your physical condition. PTSD sufferers have a unique set of challenges that they face on a daily basis. Physically the sleep deprivation, anxiety and stress can make you feel like you are an island unto yourself. Compounding the difficulty of having enough energy to face a difficult journey of personal healing and growth. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits is absolutely essential to be in good condition. Failing to do so is putting yourself at a disadvantage from the very beginning. Getting back your life is a decision that must be made with the intention of being committed to a change of lifestyle. I think that is what most PTSD sufferers are looking for, because the typical day in the life of a PTSD sufferer is no walk in the park. We as humans typically don't relish the idea of change. However if you find yourself in the midst of a fire, wouldn't a cool change of scenery be an invitation to expend whatever amount of energy needed to get that done? I am speaking from experience, and I feel it is very important to be upfront and honest about my struggles to set an example for others to learn from.

     I have realized that my reputation is much less important than the benefits I can bring to others. I am very fortunate to have the power of a praying wife at my side, giving me a dose of daily motivation. My success is your success. If you read my last blog entry you are aware that I have had some rough patches in this mission to find a viable treatment for the illness that has consumed my life from the day I was born. As many of you know my father was a Vietnam Vet and drank himself and the rest of my family into oblivion. That is a typical story of someone with PTSD that either fails to be recognized or chooses to remain undiagnosed and untreated.

     I am working closely with a few select organizations and people to get a comprehensive program developed for mind, body and spirit. One of the most exciting aspects of this work is the new relationship that has developed with Great Life Technologies in Southern California. They have created a PTSD program that has my full attention. Their program is a non-invasive, non medicated and in home program that is supervised by a trained coach to optimize results. Consults are done by phone.

     Results of the initial data and ongoing treatment data are being compiled and monitored by the University of Texas at Austin. This program teaches each person how to address each symptom of PTSD and brings resolution in an incredibly short period of time. This is the exciting part, it puts the healing process in the hands of sufferer. No longer dependent on a therapist or a system of therapists that are not flexible in scheduling. It allows the individual to deal with any issues as they occur. That is very empowering and encouraging for someone that sufferers daily. I have had very noticeable improvements in my battle with anxiety, anger and clarity. My wife is also going through the program and has commented on how wonderful it is to be able to clear anger issues as they occur. This gives her the ability to help me and not be caught in the circle of empathy loss.

     I had the privilege to participate in a teleconference with Great Life Technologies and NotAlone.com a few weeks ago. During the conference I was able to hear from several Vets that are going through the program. Interestingly, there was a Vet from each of the wars since Vietnam represented. The overall message was that this program was a profound success. Not one of the Vets I heard from had a downside to speak of. Each of their stories were different as each of us are. This program was developed to help trauma victims resolve internal conflicts and has proved to be exceptionally beneficial to PTSD sufferers. The director Tom Stone has written books on these techniques that will be available on OperationPTSD.com in the very near future. They also put on seminars regularly that can be attended. My goal is to go to a certification seminar and become a PTSD and life coach. There are not many aspects of suffering associated with PTSD that I don't understand. I have been both the sufferer and the loved one of a sufferer. I have spent my life wondering why I had gone through all the things that I have, now I know. It is my mission to help other people that are going through their darkest hours. We didn't get in the position we are in overnight and getting resolution will not be an overnight endeavor. However, healing can be measured in months rather than years as one of the Vets told me after he had been in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for over 15 years with limited results.

     I need to raise $2000.00 dollars to attend this certification in California. I would like to offer any donor free sessions in exchange and in gratitude for helping me help others. If you would like to donate but don't know anyone suffering I have a list of people that would be grateful for the therapy and would make the introduction between the two of you so that you could see who and how you helped a specific person improve their life. All donations can be made on the PayPal donation button on the home page of this website. Thank you for your support and I look forward to bringing together a comprehensive program of healing for mind, body and spirit.

All the Best,

Jason Ream

OperationPTSD.com