Tag: recovery

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Battling PTSD Can cause Heartache for a Family

Thanks to all of you who have been joining us here. We help bring change to lives. The response has been wonderful.  We just past 3,994 new subscribers. That was a huge increase in 2016. We only had 1,000 two years ago. In 2017 help us to make it to 4,000.

We are only six away of reaching our goal.  We will be giving a prize to the person who is our 4,000th person to subscribe. Somebody will win in the next few hours. 

Help us make it to 4,000 by subscribing today if you haven’t already. This shows you care for veterans. Just click on the icon right after the title of this post to do that, and the posts will come straight to your inbox.                            ____________________________________________________________

Doug Bolton, the founder of the blog, Signs of Hope, which is at www.dailysignsofhope.com, has written a new book, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out the many military and veterans who may be battling anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, rejections, and the many other usual suspects. There are 22 military connected suicides every day. That is almost one every hour. Doug wants to help stop those statistics.  

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This is a new social network just for veterans. I joined it and made instant friendships with veterans who want to talk about what I want to talk about. Please check it out. You will be glad you did. 

https://www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton

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We have just added a fantastic product for people who are suffering from PTSD. I have looked at the video myself. It is a little long, but it is very valuable. Go to   https://sites.google.com/site/v4vweaponspackage/  to see for yourself. It will change your life if you suffer from PTSD. 

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The 4th of July is passed, and life will settle back down for us veterans, but will it really?

Many veterans have struggles all year around. They battle PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, war wounds, etc.

There are many brother and sister veterans who don’t have the peace they need. They feel they don’t have the support they need. They would rather hide in their bed all day.

I feel for these heroes. They served their country and should be respected, and get the treatment they need.

If you know of someone who is suffering, reach out to them. Show them they matter. It could in your own family.

The hard part is that many veterans don’t want people to know they are hurting. They hide in their little world and try to go at it alone. Some many suicides happen because of this. There are 22 veteran suicides everyday. I didn’t say every week, or even every year. This is everyday.

How do you know if a veteran is hurting?

  • Have their feelings changed about the world since they left the military? Often this is a sign of an inner battle going on inside them.
  • Do they seem distant and do not want to talk about their experiences from the military? This is a sign of PTSD.
  • Do they get angry easily? Another sign of PTSD.
  • Do they refuse to  get help? They feel they are suppose to be tough guys, and not seek help.
  • Do they break down crying and they don’t know why? The memories come rising up in their brains like a huge tidal wave.
  • Are they abusive? Domestic violence has no place in the homes, but PTSD often causes it.

So what can we do about it?

  • Love them unconditionally. Not matter how hard it gets your consistent love will overcome them eventually.
  • Make them seek help. This is one huge step to their recovery. They will probably fight this, but you might have to let them know that it is a deal breaker if they don’t get help.
  • Try to make their environment stress free as possible. If it is near the 4th of July, go for a trip away for the fireworks for a couple of days. It will be a good bonding time, and the veteran will not be jittery from the noise.
  • Listen to them! If they want to talk that is a huge break through.

I fully understand that it is hard on the whole family. You are probably close to battling depression yourself. Stay strong, you may be the only hope for a struggling veteran.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Change is Hard Even if it’s Good Change

Thanks to all of you who have been joining us here. We help bring change to lives. The response has been wonderful.  We just past 3,885 new subscribers. That was a huge increase in 2016. We only had 1,000 two years ago. In 2017 help us to make it to 4,000.

We are only 115 away of reaching our goal.  We will be giving a prize to the person who is our 4,000th person to subscribe. 

Help us make it to 4,000 by subscribing today if you haven’t already. This shows you care for veterans. Just click on the icon right after the title of this post to do that, and the posts will come straight to your inbox.                            ____________________________________________________________

Doug Bolton, the founder of the blog, Signs of Hope, which is at www.dailysignsofhope.com, has written a new book, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out the many military and veterans who may be battling anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, rejections, and the many other usual suspects. There are 22 military connected suicides every day. That is almost one every hour. Doug wants to help stop those statistics.  

______________________________________________________________

This is a new social network just for veterans. I joined it and made instant friendships with veterans who want to talk about what I want to talk about. Please check it out. You will be glad you did. 

https://www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton

______________________________________

We have just added a fantastic product for people who are suffering from PTSD. I have looked at the video myself. It is a little long, but it is very valuable. Go to   https://sites.google.com/site/v4vweaponspackage/  to see for yourself. It will change your life if you suffer from PTSD. 

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Change is hard even if it is good change. 

I have been connecting with many veterans through RallyPoint. It is a social network just forminitary and their families. Here is the link. Check it out.

www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton

One thing I have been hearing from people I am connected with is the hard times they have been having since they moved to the civilian life. The change they have to go through is very hard at best.

  • Fitting into a civilian job.
  • Finding new friends
  • Learning to not force their feelings onto others.
  • Battling PTSD,TBI, Depression, Homelessness, War wounds.

The list could go on. Many of you could write your own list.

When I am writing this I am directing my words not only to the veterans, but to their families and friends. You are an important part of their transition. You need to help the veteran through his change. 

There are so many who are struggling. 22 veterans take their own lives every day! Some say that figure is even higher.  Some veterans can not win the battle of change that is churning in their own heads.

I am glad to say that I have finally found peace for me. I was very depressed when I came out of the military. Yes, it was half a century ago, and they didn’t have the word PTSD, but I was there. I was struggling. I considered suicide myself. I even sat in my rig one day back in 2001,and was ready to check out of this hotel called earth.

God stopped me that day, and directed me into writing, and here I am spilling my guts to you.

So, What can we do to fight back? How can we survive?

  1. The first thing I learned is that most of my battle was in my head. I finally realized that the mind can control you in a positive way and a negative way. If we let it, the mind can be our secret weapon. If we block out the negative thoughts and only allow positive thoughts, I whole life will change.

Sound too simplistic? It may be for some, but check it out as one of your steps to recovery on the path of change you are walking.

2. Slow down. You don’t need to rush into anything. You have heard the saying about people who are in the rat race? Will I am here to tell you that even rats rest. They sleep after a hard day of scaring people. BTW… even the tides rest. They come up to a high spot and pause for a few minutes and then they go into the other direction. That is what we need to do. We need to pause and go the other direction to accept change.

3. You may think you aren’t capable of taking all this on. Maybe you are thinking you would rather stay in bed all day and forget the world. You may even want to stick your head in the sand and hide. You are strong! You may not have heard that in a while, but back to basics my friend. When you went into the military, you were a mean, green, fighting machine. Find that same fire in your belly. Dig deep and pull out the strength you had then.

4. Know when to ask for help. Others can help you change. Most veterans feel they shouldn’t ask for help because they are supposed to be tough. If I kept that mentality I wouldn’t be here today writing to you. Ask for help! I am going to share a telephone number with you, and please call it if you have any self destruction ideas for yourself.

There is always help for you 24/7 at: 1-800-273-8255

5. Take charge of your life. Do a turn around. Stop letting the dark side control you. Accept the change.

 

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Countdown to Blast-off for New Book

The days are numbered as far as when my book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World,” comes out. I am working with the publisher with the final phase of getting the book done. That would be the back cover.

Check back here every few days to see the big announcement when the book actually comes out. You will be the first to know! You will be able to order the book  right off of this site.

I thought I would share with you some of the endorsements that will be in the book, plus the foreword. This will be a long post because of it, but please read through and see the many people who are excited about the book.

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Douglas Bolton is more than just an author – he is a breath of fresh air and beacon of hope to a hurting world. He addresses issues he’s struggled within his own journey -the journey we call life. His speaks openly and honestly about his own struggles with anxiety, hopelessness and depression that brought him to the end of himself. He brings a personal perspective into his story while weaving the truth he has found in God’s word as his means of finding a purpose that is larger than himself. He has an amazing ability to connect with and motivate individuals from all walks of life and provides them with a vision that leads to life-altering breakthroughs in their own life.

 

Chaplain-Addiction Counselor

Michael Clark

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Doug’s collection of sayings from bumper stickers and other sources provides delightful—and usually profound—insights into the spiritual truths he draws from them.

 Sue Miholer, owner of Picky, Picky Ink, her freelance writing and editing business.

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‘Kind words make good echoes’ is a good bumper sticker to describe Doug Bolton’s book. The simple truths he has written echo the truths we know and love from the Word of God. It is a good reminder of God’s constant love and care for us who are seasoned Christians and an encouragement to those just beginning their walk with their Savior.

 

Stacey Womack, Founder and Executive Director of Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services (ARMS)

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To anyone who hasn’t been able to experience a personal, intimate relationship with God, Doug Bolton’s book is a must read.  To the person who is exhausted from doing it all alone, who has lost their way, Doug’s beautiful journey to new levels of his purposeful life, will help you feel a most loving connection with a loving Father.  You will discover that you can never fail when following God’s quiet, most directive guidance.

   

-Mary Reynolds, Author of Make a Difference with the Power of Compassion

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“Plentiful in wisdom and experience, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, offers a lifeline to anyone adrift in the challenges of everyday living. Concentrated and easy to apply, Doug Bolton has smoothed the road for the weary traveler with Scriptural counsel that touches on the most paramount matters of life.”

-Chris Coppernoll, author of Screen Play and a Beautiful Fall

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“Sometimes it is only after we go through the darkest of valleys that
the light-beams of wisdom can shine through and illumine our path.
Doug Bolton has walked through that dark valley and, by the grace of
God, has discovered some wonderful lessons for life. You will enjoy
his ‘bumper sticker’ nuggets of wisdom.”

 

Pastor Scott Nelson

Morning Star Community Church 

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Doug Bolton openly shares his vulnerabilities while intertwining them with his experiences in his book Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World. From coping with deep depression to failed careers, Doug’s encounters with life will give you assurance that you are standing beside a fellow traveler who understands and won’t offer pat answers. Throughout the book he reaches out his hand to accompany you on this difficult journey of life, and help you more fully grasp God’s unconditional grace and love.

Although this book conquers tough topics about why we must suffer, why loved ones leave this earth so soon, or why circumstances out of our control prevent us from helping someone in need, it is truly a book of hope. Doug’s insights, devotional-style encouragement, practical suggestions, and even his sense of humor, will guide you toward to a more intimate relationship with Christ, regardless of the complex circumstances you may be facing.            

Doug shares bumper sticker sayings throughout the book, and as one who lives with a chronic illness and daily pain, I found Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World heartening and filled with reminders of one of my own favorite bumper stickers, “Know God, Know Peace. No God, No Peace.”

I am delighted to recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement, but especially those who live with chronic illness or pain.

Lisa Copen

Founder of Rest Ministries, joyfully serving those with chronic illness or pain

www.restministries.org

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 We all love a story–especially one that leads us to answers for problems we may be struggling with. Close Encounters of the Heavenly Kind is filled with encouraging and inspiring stories that lead us to God’s answers for all those personal struggles.

 

Sally E. Stuart, author of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide, stuartmarket.com

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This book that Doug has written is one to have on your shelf so that you can pick it up and read it time and time again. It could be used as a daily devotional. He gives us wonderful messages using his humor and personal experiences to make them real to each of us.  Doug’s use of Bible verses is so very relevant to each subject he is discusses.  I found myself writing them down to hopefully memorize later. The book ends with chapters challenging us to be witnesses of God’s salvation and then gives us tools and references to help us be fruitful. I will have this book on my shelf and I know I will give it as a gift to Christian and non-Christian friends.

 

Bonnie Nester, Author of Moments this Good, the story about a caregiver of a family member who has Alzheimer’s.

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Are you trying to make sense of your life?  Do you long for purpose and meaning in your heart?  If so, Doug Bolton’s masterpiece Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, is a must read for you.  Doug is passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ and he wants everyone to know about it.  The words he writes on the pages of this book paint a beautiful picture of the truth from Scripture that God loves you and created you for a personal relationship with Him.  Just as Doug testifies in his book you too can find purpose, love, and hope by living your life all for Jesus!

All for Jesus!

International Evangelist Reid Saunders

Reid Saunders Association  
www.reidsaunders.org

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Signs of Hope
Foreword

Stories have their own unique way of teaching us things. When Jesus taught the crowds from Capernaum to Jerusalem, He chose stories about everyday people in everyday places to teach us about ourselves and about the God we serve. With their panoramic perspective, stories give us insight into the essential matters of life. We learn from the truths embedded in the journey of others.

In Signs of Hope, Douglas Bolton extracts wisdom from his personal life experience, mining it for the faith lessons God’s urged his heart to pen for us. In his words, we find simple answers to the harrowing and the complicated, as he shares timely and powerful lessons on living with hope in the midst of this challenging age.

Hope refreshes, when we feel overpowered by the world around us. We observe bleakness in another’s eyes (and sometimes in our own), and wonder how our peace can be restored. Self-generated resources are inadequate. But when we turn back towards God, we discover His supply, an unending fountain for us to drink.

The power and richness of stories are themselves a fountain, if flowing with God’s eternal truth. It’s in this spirit, I recommend the journey Douglas Bolton has arranged for his readers. His experience of walking many years and miles with the Lord have infused these pages. May Signs of Hope, with its offering of refreshment, grow your faith in God, and lead you to a closer walk with Him.

Chris Coppernoll

International Radio talk show host on Soul to Soul