Thank you to the Citizen for publishing Samantha Wright Allen's very thoughtful story "A healing space" on the front page of Saturday's paper. More, thank you to Cst. Jason Gillis for your courage in sharing your very personal story, for having the strength to find a path to loving yourself and your family enough to remain, and for the gift you are giving your fellow responders by sharing the healing powers of your sweat lodge.
It is heartbreaking that today some who suffer the effects of PTSD remain afraid to speak out for fear of being shunned or facing negative consequences from their employers or the community.
The term PTSD has become so commonplace that at times it feels almost trivial and that's wrong.
PTSD is real.
It is a vicious and debilitating disorder that robs the lives of its victims and their families--and while it can effect anyone, from any walk of life, it is often the cruel legacy left to our first responders and military veterans who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting our communities and country. (I know of what of I speak, my brother, a military veteran, is a survivor of PTSD.)
Linda Glover
Prince George
