Can anything precise come out of the united states?

"Can anything exact come out of Nazareth?" John 1:forty six

lots of us over 50 experience like aliens inside the land of our birth. We had been conquered from inside. The Christian mores which were the bedrock of civilization are forsaken. Sodomy, fornication, adultery, and aborticide are normalized; they may be taken into consideration as American as apple pie and Chevrolet!

Social upheaval begins with humanizing God and deifying guy. We reject God so we might reject God's law. "technology" is a god phrase, while God's word is mocked as a fable.

clinical concept is not as good as theology as it denies the life of the writer. clinical principle replacement's evolutionary principle for God's revelation declared in His phrase. The nice devices which assist us observe the cosmos and micro cosmos are vain to puppies, pigs, and blind ignorant savages.

Worldly Christians receive whatever the global accepts. A cultural Christian accepts whatever the subculture accepts. A biblical Christian's reviews are shaped and honed with the aid of the bible. Cultural Christian's reviews are fashioned by way of the popular secular media. Cultural Christians need to suit in; their largest fear is to be extensively different from the people round them. most American churches breed "cultural Christians." in place of searching for God's will for their lives, cultural Christians make Jesus Christ into their picture after their likeness. "What might Cheeses do?" they ask. have you hugged a sodomite these days? Their Cheeses loves each person and goes alongside to get alongside. Cheeses is their smiling teddy endure in the sky wishing everyone a nice day and a pleasant time. Cultural Christians have ladies, sodomite, and lesbian "pastors" praying for God to bless their depraved establishments and ungodly lifestyles, while sheltering and recuperation them from the outcomes in their sin.

We need to not be amazed that the seasoned-existence motion is made from cultural Christians. they may be no longer so exclusive from their pro-abortion counterparts. We need to name them "lame duck seasoned-lifers" (LDPs) due to the fact they provide lame arguments about "fetal ache" at the same time as ducking the actual issue of rank murder. LDP's oppose personhood efforts in several states. "The lifestyle is not geared up for this!" they bitch. Lame duck pro-lifers choose the aborting mother over her womb toddler. They quibble over guidelines, rules, right strategies, approaches, and timing of baby homicide. They disavow civil disobedience to shield baby, and frown upon picture presentations of aborticide. After years of pouting and whining, some LDP's have come round to accepting image displays simplest due to the fact they're so broadly used and diagnosed as effective in saving lives. most LDP's are too worried to apply graphic symptoms. they're fearful of offending someone. the alternative of offense is defense. Lame Duck seasoned-lifers were waging a losing 38 yr old defensive warfare.

the usa is doomed; she is in her demise throes.
• We need to now not fight to keep a military that's led via lesbian and sodomite officials.
• we shall no longer combat along lame duck pro-lifers over the right etiquette of baby sacrifice.
• We need to no longer attempt to resuscitate a depraved faculty device which lacks commonplace sense.
• We need to not revive the yank dream of a godless Bohemian life-style and perpetual childhood.
• We do not assist government which permits, protects, and promotes with our tax dollars the wanton killing of people right here and overseas.
• We can not support the usa's infinite wars and wasteful spending sprees. A body politic which "eats out our substance, and corrupts our manner." an awful lot greater can be said.

we've got seemingly misplaced the fight for the soul of our kingdom. it has been passed over to the devil for in addition torment. even though our effort seems futile we shall retain to fight for a loss of something higher to do. we shall warn, rebuke, and keep in wish of plucking some manufacturers from the fireplace as we patiently wait for our grasp's go back.

It Wasn't Me Who committed Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience is a professed and energetic refusal to accept positive demands, laws, and needs of the government or that of an occupying global power. generally it is defined as a non-violent resistance. however, it could no longer usually be so.

individuals who commit the act of civil disobedience aren't a part of any unique Forces or unique hobby agencies. they're now not even government corporations or events. as a substitute they are regular civilians that have chosen it as one of the approaches to revolt in opposition to laws that they feel are unfair. they will either exercise it in corporations in the direction of a commonplace intent or perhaps for my part for a greater private belief.

in keeping with Ronald Dworkin, any act of civil disobedience can be categorized into one of the following three kinds:

· Justice primarily based;

· Integrity primarily based; and

· coverage primarily based.

The men and women that devote the justice-based totally civil disobedience are people who seem to had been denied a few right, which they'd a rightful claim on. in order that they disobey sure laws as a method of protesting in opposition to this denial to lay declare on what's rightfully theirs. The unlawful protest by means of the blacks at some stage in the Civil Rights movement is an example of such.

another shape of civil disobedience is one that is integrity-based totally. some residents are provoked by way of the immorality of certain laws. And as such, in place of quietly accepting them, they "fight" in opposition to them via manner of disobeying those unique laws. An instance of this act is when the northerners refused to hand over escaped slaves to their government by using disobeying the fugitive country laws.

The 0.33 type, i.e., the coverage-based totally civil disobedience, is performed via someone who believes a few policy to be dangerously wrong. And consequently, he or she breaks or disobeys a regulation for you to get that precise policy changed. those may want to include regulations regarding banks, non-public universities or possibly the ones of the trade unions.

no matter the premise of civil disobedience, regardless of the moves accomplished following it; the prevalence of "healthy" civil disobedience is without a doubt a signal of urban self-reliance.

First, on the individual degree, it suggests the self-reliance of individuals in questioning for themselves and formulating their critiques rather than conforming to popular belief. 2nd, for society at huge, it proves to be a exquisite measure for bringing about "self" correction in its laws and policies, with out the need of any overseas assist.

You do not need to be stuck off shield without the right survival gadget while some thing occurs.

Civil Disobedience - Is it a crime?

a few of the finest civil rights movements that the world has visible have come approximately thru the usage of nonviolent resistance. in many cases, this resistance turned into civil disobedience, that's the intentional disobedience of a regulation. The protesting individuals broke those laws because they felt that they were unjust.

even as protest is felony and civil disobedience from time to time happens as a end result, disobedience is not criminal. Breaking the law is usually against the law, no matter whether or not and person breaks it intentionally or unintentionally. it's far crucial to hold this in mind ought to you ever determine to protest a law.

The sentencing for civil disobedience relies upon at the regulation that an character breaks. some crimes can be taken into consideration misdemeanors, that means that individuals responsible of the crime may also get off with simply paying fines or performing a fixed number of hours of network carrier.

If the law an character breaks is a legal, though, he or she can also face prison time or similarly punishment. some of the crimes dedicated that fall under civil disobedience tend to be misdemeanors, but some people may additionally devote felonies.

some times of civil disobedience might also motive the disruptive individual to injure or significantly harm an innocent bystander. this will make the offense greater, as well as open the opportunity of a personal damage lawsuit.

no matter the crime, it's miles important to lease an skilled crook defense attorney to address the case. crook cases are heard earlier than juries, so accused individuals have to rent the devoted legal illustration that they deserve. criminal instances require a excessive diploma of prison enjoy and an attorney who is nicely skilled in imparting evidence.

when you have been accused of civil disobedience, an skilled attorney, along with the San Jose crook defense legal professionals of the law workplace of Daniel Jensen, may be able that will help you get a reduced sentence or keep away from sentencing altogether in case you are innocent.

First Step to current Civil Disobedience: identification of the Paradoxical problems

the paradox: How We educate and What Our Instincts Require

word: i will being using 'our' 'us' and 'we' frequently; recollect i'm talking on behalf of most of the people of the united states and in reflection to the american gadget and lifestyle.

**Please reread summary, after which hold

the american Dream (ad) is an expression wherein has advanced from one photograph to any other. Arguably, it originated from the marketing campaign and national desire for 'barely above' mediocrity in dwelling conditions; a residence, white fence and two vehicles within the drive manner, in a suburb. And for those times that photograph become rich living, compared to the general public of the arena; which still may be very a lot real. but, nowadays the ad is extra materialistic than it existed at first... A rich and leisurely existence; house at the seaside or apartment in a major town, a six discern profits and a a hundred,000 dollar sports activities/luxury vehicle - simply to begin the dream off! This expression the ad offers these days, is the one i will reference from now on; most of the people of americans act as though they had been rich or will sooner or later come to be wealthy. The above rationalization will be mentioned similarly in argument B. This part of the conflict, at short look, seems to contradict the concept we want to be sociable. however, evolutionarily, it proves to make sense of how the yankee Dream has also developed.

I do now not endorse 'altruism' in extensive terms; the practice to do selfless movements of welfare for others. we've got reasons for our want in helping others; whether or not they be socially or in my opinion influenced dreams (nurture) -and/or- instinctual requirements (nature). The altruism i will talk may be more subtle as the subsequent: the practice this is consensually time-honored in/by a set as altruistic. a set can range from a social circle of pals to international identities of a country or continent. The truth there can be companies inside companies should motive confusion; for this paper's purposes the culture of the united states and the subcultures which exist in the us are being referenced: majorly education [from media and school], however also style tendencies and idea moves both underground and mainstream. instance of institution altruism: taking part in church events is deemed charitable through the church's community individuals. My altruism definition is a parallel of social altruism - (as far as i'm conscious) coined by Nigel J. Barradale. The difference among social altruism and the way altruism is generally viewed is mildly huge. in place of assuming altruism way to be charitable in a trendy experience; the social altruism attitude seems to be greater sensible. humans have a tendency to want to assist folks who will later help them in go back, and this mutual payoff is visible majorly in dynamics of groupthink theory; if you want to be slightly referenced.

What follows is a more precise expression and clarification of social altruism from Barradale himself from his idea paper - Social Incentives and Human Evolution: "... behaviors are exhibited that benefit the organization at the obvious fee to the character, when the social incentives are excluded. This behavior is termed social altruism. As in step with the above, social altruism can be displayed due to: genetic predisposition; behavioral conditioning; recognition of intrinsic incentives; and cognizance of social incentives. of these, the first 3 can also result in behaviors which are high-priced to the character, even when the social incentives are included. as an instance, genes can be decided on because they encourage us to behave social altruistically, which has a health gain on average; however the ones genes are not likely to flawlessly distinguish times which are fitness enhancing from those which might be fitness detracting, and so both behaviors are probably to be exhibited. This isn't always, of direction, to indicate the capability to higher distinguish between the behaviors would be socially suited. quite the alternative, in reality-the many instances while humans behave altruistically at a personal value is a surprise of human societies and might had been a important prerequisite for our evolution as a species" (Barradale). In section C. i can recommend another motive why we do no longer have "the potential to better distinguish between the behaviors [that] could be socially proper" however in fact behave in a manner this is simplest socially ideal to our sought out and indoctrinated organizations. The reason being some other cognitive argument; our reptilian brain complex being the motive for us to protect and shield our institution mind.

A. Paradoxical trouble locating

Barradale, in the above, has expressed a number of the reasoning for the paradox's war; as price forming includes each instinctual and social dimensions, it seems that there are conflicts of conflicts. those conflicts seem to involve majorly: i. the priority of what does the device/way of life appear like, in which is prepping people to carry out their metaphysical goals (of being altruistic) ii. as well as the irrational (or no longer necessarily rational) tendencies wherein we are probably to appeal to businesses. preferably, after those conflicts of conflicts are illuminated, we can better discover examples of such warfare within the paradox.

regarding the first battle of struggle: What/who socially creates the suggestions wherein we're to react instinctual-ly? Or to be more unique; what is [/does] the muse of our education [look like] wherein we have to adapt to, with the intention to create values? we have this instinct to want to parent out the way to be socially altruistic if you want to advantage from positive groups, however additionally we are given the schooling of the yank Dream. First of the conflicts within conflicts - includes our education system (even though best aside of the entire schooling we receive).

Andrea Kuszewski in her article the educational value of creative Disobedience crudely however as it should be has summarized the methods of modern schooling structures. The methodology is indexed as follows:

1. inspire linear, unmarried-solution questioning, as opposed to exploratory mastering (rewarded for the unmarried accurate answer, i.e. standardized assessments, conformity is anticipated)

2. restrict creativity and discourage modern thinking (as soon as students have the answer, they are not stimulated to look for exchange solutions; errors aren't rewarded while attributable to a potentially beneficial chance)

3. do not degree as much as different styles of incorporated coaching models with regard to the quantity of information retained via students (less effective at truly teaching material)

4. aren't as motivating or engaging for the students (college students record less delight and display poorer attendance)

five. truly aren't that tons fun for the teachers, both (Kuszewski)

A troubling list to just accept as accurate. yet, for this paper's purposes we can expect the listing is correct to most (if not all) number one to secondary education strategies inside the U.S. Is there is one systematic technique to being socially altruistic to others? Is there simplest going to be one or a few organization(s) in which we have to socially reply to? honestly no longer! depending on the institution wherein altruism is being attempted for, depends additionally on the technique. additionally, this methodology of schooling in schools is not preparatory for the way to reply to a spread of organizations (a way to join/companion). The contrary seems much more likely; education that molding talents to handiest be capable of reply to one or few organization(s) at most. which can in addition stifle exploratory mindset formations. If these are early attitudes, no doubt will they be at minimum, partly internationalized. perhaps there ought to be a method (or part of approach) wherein is open-ended enough to count on trade in organization dynamics as being the muse of the lesson plan or as an entire magnificence: institution technique!

the second war of warfare: What makes us appeal to positive corporations and/or distance us from others? How much does nature entail in which we are probable to be drawn to; as far as institution identity? these questions are no longer confined to philosophic and literary critique (although resources have to/do come from such), however technological know-how has some thing to mention! specifically evolutionary paradigms of studies; majorly biology and psychology studies in evolutionism. these very real factors of how we have adapted in the course of our evolution over the path of history, ought to be taught in a class room; no longer at once but designed into the lesson plans to relate permit the cloth to be more relevant towards societal questioning.

although medical proof could be first rate to protect the argument that the ambiguity exist; I don't feel it important. One have to be simply open to the idea, we respond to organizations in order to self identify. seems commonplace sense filled - so, i'm able to enchantment to such. most of the people will do something is necessary to be frequent with the aid of the businesses they select to want to be apart of; in go back to receive reputation. Exaggerated when I say 'some thing' maybe, but objectively what one may also do to gain get entry to to a collection is not almost as extreme as some other might. as an example: is paying 40,000 greenbacks extra of less loopy than giving 100 hours per week to a collection to be a member? I feel this query is preference-based totally and variable depending on who we are discussing with. So, retaining the concept as preferred as viable can keep away from vagueness while preserving capacity to argue; individuals will sacrifice to be able to be aside of a collection.

With that stated; "what does an man or woman wanting to be a part of a group have in commonplace with how our training system is designed?" properly this is the gist of the paradoxical problem at hand. while we've got this natural tendency to accomplice with corporations, we also ought to be educated inside a machine. Does that education system train to respond to our natural desires to accomplice with others? No. Does businesses generally tend to teach us within their social suggestions? sure. So... We get knowledgeable from the organizations we are associated with, however there are numerous businesses present... How will we know how to respond to them? Are we compelled to rely strictly on our corporations to recognise how to respond to the relaxation? In reference to the primary approach Kuszewski notes - linear questioning (one solution is pleasant) is the normative in our education device. Does this overlap into our different educations? What else teaches us; which corporations train all and sundry?

B. Pop-cultural Paradoxes

As defined in advance the american Dream (advert) is the right of rich materialism; in a nut shell - movie star idolizing, in each residences and personalities. the concern of being rich is a top instance of the reality our schooling stores avert the general public's price forming; in schooling in particular with their linear methods; one solution for each question. The idea of being wealthy is an easy notion to entertain; little to no paintings, whatever you want and amusing each time one wishes. This argument endorse nearly at once; linear methods of training create the advert, similarly to the relaxation of yankee training.

The manner in which our media demonstrates rich and steeply-priced lifestyles depict selfish attitudes, in particular for the reason that way of obtaining the riches does now not commonly involve bringing others into rich popularity as well. The ad does now not have any intention of bringing others with the individual to gain the sort of goal. There are not any suggests approximately charity, none approximately humanitarianism and certainly none about morality and ethics - except the Jersey Shore. possibly the most important source in which modern ideologies are displayed are in our present day documentaries. nevertheless typical, as far as public media is going, there is no source in which teaches multiculturalism, humanitarianism and tolerance - however, instead inside the norm, display examples of materialization of humans and possessions; humans going to jail, humans [re]decorating places and things, and people gossiping approximately celebrities (politicians, actors and artist).

"well media and enjoyment do not always guide our values." that is true however they're aside of wherein we take what we understand from and may existentially be taken into consideration apart of the complete cost making process. As a example of how media and enjoyment can affect the population of the united states; yolo and swag. these words spoken five years ago could preserve no significance. yet, these days, via the power of media they are wellknown used phrases within the younger era. even though this isn't a cost-primarily based argument, it may nonetheless dictate sincerely media does affect our perspectives with fades and models; in each concept and style of clothes.

What does the appeal to 'movie star-ism' have to with groupthought and group-following? A counter question: What does most people think is in reality famous and brilliant to discuss? Celebrities. How the general public of usual are formed appear like lead by using famous figures of our culture. Musicians especially, however also authors, actors and athletes are apart of the pop-tradition dominating American schooling. i would even pass as far to argue they may be vital figures, which traditionally isn't any special than another times, except today we idolize what they commonly 'do' rather than 'say' extra often than no longer. If we cared approximately what they had to mention... I do not assume maximum of the pop-icons these days would be very famous.

Having stated the most powerful manner wherein we gain values as a national identity; pop-culture via entertainment. There nevertheless are unanswered questions: How does this effect our abilties to be altruistic with others? In what manner does our linear education and the yank Dream motive us to both proper or awful at coping with businesses and others? Do those  'manners' virtually battle to the point of creating a paradox, in that case, how does it alter our perceptions in cost forming?

Why Your Environmental weblog Is a Mistake

So, you are an environmental company and you have a blog.

superb.

You probable think your environmental weblog ought to be about the surroundings.

but, you would be incorrect.

unless you're a weblog that is written by means of journalists who report on the maximum current environmental information (like TreeHugger, the mum or dad, or Yale environment 360), these are not the testimonies that have to be for your blog.

The tale of the Sierra pink Fox

as an example, a few weeks ago the environmental cyber international become abuzz over the thrilling siting of the uncommon Sierra pink Fox, which hadn't been visible in 100 years.

where did i am getting this news? From the Sierra membership (rightly so!), and the countrywide Park service (who first pronounced in this) and from Defenders of wildlife (okay, precise). And... I also got it on the blogs and newsreels from an absolute slew of other environmental groups.

Had they connected us immediately to the at first published article that would be exquisite. I suggest, it changed into a very newsworthy event. but, maximum links despatched me to their personal blog.

don't get me incorrect. i am ecstatic this tale unfold to this point and became so extensively shared.

Spreading the word on newsworthy environmental events is tremendous. And commendable. And is a exceptional way to expose your guide of your fellow environmental companies. And advances the environmental motive as a whole.

however your blog isn't always the vicinity to try this.

let me deliver some other instance of an organisation that has this aspect in their verbal exchange techniques found out.

The student Conservation association has a blog noticeably titled, "testimonies from the sphere." Their weblog is almost completely written by means of or approximately their students or group of workers members which can be out in the field helping their businesses' challenge.

Their social media control is every other animal completely.

this is wherein they support their fellow environmental companies and unfold the phrase approximately exceptional environmental information. As a supporter, and capability donor, I fee that. every time i am getting on fb i will assume seeing some thing exciting, new, and in my view treasured to me.

however, unless they're fundraising or promoting a tale on their own blog, they don't ship me from fb to a hyperlink on their website to another hyperlink at the website of whoever wrote the thing to a hyperlink to an AP article. (This is not an exaggeration... many environmental companies do that!)

The cause I applaud SCA for that is twofold:

1) Their weblog sticks to and helps their direct undertaking.

2) They completely assist their fellow environmentalists and know precisely how to unfold their successes.

know when virtually being the messenger ratings factors

The method of verbal exchange SCA undertakes for its social media is likewise top notch for environmental nonprofits that can't make investments personnel time or money on weekly or day by day new content material in their personal.

without delay sharing someone else's success (irrespective of the naysayers, political climate, or the conventional media, there is a lot of fulfillment to proportion), permits your supporters to connect to you.

ultimately, this facilitates each your call popularity and to uplift your purpose.

a way to write an environmental blog

the first query, of direction, is: What must your environmental blog be approximately?

The very essential solution to that question is that it must directly relate for your assignment and what makes your enterprise particular.

that will help you figure out precisely what you would possibly write approximately, ask your self those questions:

What do you wish to perform together with your blog?
Who do you want studying to and responding in your blog?
What are your competitors writing approximately? can you-- or should you-- compete with their content?
What are your keywords? (This appears ridiculously simple, but additionally downright imaginitive. If a person kinds into Google "climate alternate and polar bears" and up comes a hyperlink to the Chesapeake Bay foundation... there may be something a person is doing wrong... somewhere.) Use your keywords as publications for the content of your blog.
and then, start writing

As you begin writing, preserve in mind the cause of a weblog. it is no longer always to spread information.

A blog, any blog, is about building credibility within the minds of your prospects and supporters.

With well written regular content material, you'll construct agree with. And with trust, comes supporters.

And with supporters, comes donations, and a ramification of your assignment and dreams.

The demanding situations of innovative and progressive Minds With Tedious editing

have you ever ever study any 1ec5f5ec77c51a968271b2ca9862907d that you purchased from a person online, and possibly, you knew that person to be pretty intelligent, and but, their 1ec5f5ec77c51a968271b2ca9862907d changed into so riddled with mistakes, and misspellings you questioned in the event that they had been drunk after they wrote it, or perhaps you are viewing the actual man or woman in the back of the spellchecker. This makes you stop and think, possibly reevaluate the man or woman as one with intelligence, or one who is merely wearing the match and tie and looking the element. The fact is that we as a society decide humans by using how they write, regardless of their level of competency in their other endeavors.

some of the maximum exquisite marketers of all time have a number of the most atrocious writing that i have ever visible in my lifestyles. certainly, as I appearance again by myself writing, I recognize why I got a D+ in journalism in junior high, the worst grade I had ever obtained. The reality is I deserved it, and that i never simply favored writing in view that. while I look again 10 years in the past, my writing definitely sucked, nowadays it's simply barely satisfactory for a person who would possibly declare to be a creator.

there was an thrilling article currently which advised of a research paper about Wikipedia, and how it's miles inundated with misspellings, punctuation errors, and poor modifying alternatives to mention the least - the researcher's conclusion turned into that it turned into a signal of the instances, and possibly a cause why you can not consider the information there. Jon Stacey analyzed this and titled his weblog submit; "text Mining Wikipedia for Misspelled words," which he published on December 23, 2011. Slashdot has this to say about Stacey's findings:

"the group-sourced nature of Wikipedia would possibly mean that its content have to be more 'accurate' than different resources. as the announcing goes, the extra eyes the higher. One particular student who was curious approximately this carried out rudimentary text mining on a sampling of the Wikipedia corpus to find out how misspelling costs on Wikipedia alternate and boom through time. Stacey proposes that this consistent growth is the result of Wikipedia participants the use of greater complex language, which the take a look at is not able to address."

yes, that is one aspect, and the other can be that there are greater oldsters coming on line, oldsters with no longer a variety of college stage schooling, not able to write down well, however that does not suggest they'll no longer have something valid to contribute. And, properly, I guess, i might preserve off on reaching his same conclusions, and permit me give an explanation for why.

the other day, someone read considered one of my Ebooks and preferred my new ideas and revolutionary ideas. I said; thanks, i get a couple of authentic thoughts an afternoon, so, i have tried to create scenarios wherein i will shove in a gaggle of thoughts into a category, despite the fact that all the technology blurs. And with 25,000 articles online now, I suppose i'm burying some of the nice stuff, meanwhile I can't turn off my mind.

Of route, his compliment came with a caveat; he failed to need to reveal his better half of due to the fact she'd be contacting me over all the slight spelling mistakes, and many others, as she has abundant modifying competencies.

properly, I idea, I virtually cannot deny it, my work is not best, however, my output is so amazing, and i simply do not have the time to edit flawlessly. Is that an excuse? possibly, but it's miles a actual valid preference that i've made, trading speed for accuracy so I don't lose my train of notion - it's what works for me. certainly, that e-book in question, and comprehend there are actually 111 of them as of this article, become a 36 hour challenge with some antique articles caught in the returned.

you notice, it takes longer to edit than to jot down it and think it. So, sure, i am hoping he does not display it to his wife, and of path, you know, I did thank him for studying via my sentence shape, and spelling errors. i'm not a author, i am an entrepreneur. Likewise, with the case of Wikipedia, the various contributors aren't university English majors, they're people dwelling inside the real world. Are they botching the English Language, or is that this part of how subculture modifies the language over time, for this reason, normal, however now seen in actual time, at the Wikipedia platform? Please take into account all this.

My Experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In this blog, Emily writes on her experience of trauma and PTSD

-Emily

CN: discusses difficult topics. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by a wide range of traumatic experiences, either through being involved in or by witnessing traumatic events. 

You can find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for PTSD either on the Mind website, or the NHS website. This blog is going to explain my personal experience with PTSD and how I have dealt with it. 

My PTSD has been caused by an incident I was involved in six months ago which has left me shaken and shocked and scared, but it also happened at the worst possible time. I was about a week away from taking my final exam at university and it was the day before the Swansea Student Media awards evening, which I had been looking forward to for months as it was my final opportunity to attend the annual event. Despite the incident happening six months ago, I have only recently been in discussion with my doctor about PTSD because I didn’t realise that the incident was still affecting me so much, because I’ve been so distracted with everything else. 

Looking back, I don’t think I managed my emotions effectively, shortly after the incident. Even though I am pleased with myself for not completely shutting down, I wish I’d taken more time to let myself feel a bit more. Saying that, in the days after the incident took place, I didn’t get through one day without crying at least once and I learnt that that is normal and completely okay. However, I was also so focused on my exam and what to do after university that I totally pushed the incident out of my mind. 

Recently, I was triggered by something so badly that it was as though that incident happened yesterday, and I was more shaken up by reliving the whole thing all over again. 

Being diagnosed with PTSD has meant that I’ve had to learn to acknowledge what my triggers are and then how to calm myself down if I experience a trigger. This is by no means easy, but it’s a learning process. Not having the focus of university or the support that I had at university has been something that I’ve found difficult with this whole experience. However, one thing that I have found that helps me is to explore the topic of PTSD through creative writing. Furthermore, confiding in people about my struggles and about the incident also helps. 

What I recall from the blurry days after the incident, one of the things that really got me through those difficult, emotional days was the support of people around me at university. I almost considered not attending that awards ceremony but I had people there who made me feel comfortable and safe which I will always appreciate. I also had support and belief from those around me that I could push through and do my final exam and while I didn’t do as well as I wanted to do, I passed and at my graduation in July, I was able to say that I didn’t let that incident get in the way of my goal of graduating. 

This experience has changed my perspective on life significantly. Not only has it taught me that I can get through almost anything, it also taught me who my real friends are. I also learnt that after a traumatic experience, one’s emotions are likely to be all over the place for quite a while afterwards. Like with any mental health difficulty, PTSD takes time to get through and you may find yourself experiencing triggers and flashbacks years down the line. It’s important to recognise these triggers and to know how to deal with them. 

My name is Emily (Em). I have recently graduated from Swansea University with my BA degree in Modern Languages, Translation & Interpreting; I was also passionate about and dedicated to Swansea Student Media and the University students’ newspaper – Waterfront. I blog for Student Minds because I have experienced mental health issues as a student and now as a graduate, as well as other health issues, and I support friends who also have mental health difficulties. I am a passionate writer and writing has been important in my mental health experiences – both in helping me to explore and to cope with my mental health, as well as sharing my story in order to help others.