June holds a special place in our hearts at The Lost Travelers Club. It's International PTSD Awareness Month, a time when we gather our strength, unite our voices, and shine a light on the profound impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on 'Peregrines'... parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. We invite you to join us in this transformative journey, to share our stories, and to help raise awareness about the unique challenges we face.
For those of us who have lost a child, the path forward is riddled with triggers and emotional minefields. Birthdays, memorial days, even the day we received the devastating diagnosis—these milestones become treacherous terrain we navigate with trembling hearts. Yet, many of us may not even realize that we are battling PTSD, or that there is help and support available. The Lost Travelers Club is determined to change that by shedding light on our experiences and guiding our members to essential resources.
In truth, the symptoms of PTSD that we experience are not so different from those of military veterans who have faced the horrors of war. We find ourselves trapped in a cycle of overwhelming emotions, struggling to cope with the trauma that has invaded every facet of our lives. Some of us may have received an official medical diagnosis, but remain unaware of the current treatments that can offer relief and healing. It wasn't long ago that PTSD was considered incurable, but recent evidence and research have proven otherwise. We want this knowledge to reach every parent in need.
Sadly, Peregrines with PTSD are often misdiagnosed, as the disorder can manifest alongside other mental and physical health challenges. Depression, substance abuse, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, anger management issues, antisocial behaviors—the list seems endless. While these "co-morbid" conditions receive attention, the underlying PTSD often goes untreated, compounding our suffering.
Reaching out for help can feel like an insurmountable hurdle for many of us. Simply finding the words to express the depths of our pain can be overwhelming. But it's crucial to remember that we are not alone. The Lost Travelers Club is committed to raising awareness in three crucial areas: the causes of PTSD, the symptoms we endure, and the existing treatments. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources available on our website, and to stand beside us during PTSD Awareness Month, regardless of whether you are a member of our club or not.
Together, we can make this month, and every June hereafter, a turning point—a time when we join forces as a global collective to raise awareness about the unique struggles faced by Peregrines. Through open dialogue, initiating heartfelt conversations, and offering unwavering support, we can create a world where the trauma of child loss is met with empathy, understanding, and a genuine path to healing.
Join us this June and beyond. Become our partner in igniting positive change for every parent and every family affected by the devastating grip of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stemming from child loss.
And if you feel compelled to support our cause, we wholeheartedly invite you to donate. Your contribution will help us build more tailored resources and materials for peregrines, tools that are dedicated to fostering PTSD Awareness. Every act of generosity carries the power to make a lasting impact. Click the link below to donate and make a direct difference, whether as an individual, a business, or a community, in honor of a cherished child's memory.
Thank you for being an integral part of The Lost Travelers Club, where peregrines find solace, strength, and hope on our shared journey.
In Service,
Henry-Cameron Allen
Founder & Executive Director
E-mail: Henry-Cameron@LostTravelers.Club
DONATE HERE to sponsor us in building more resources for peregrines in support of PTSD Awareness. Thank you.
Here are a few PTSD Resources - check out what national or local services may exist in your country, city, or region:
Start here with this great self-assessment tool. You might have PTSD if... https://www.virtualemdr.com/ptsd-checklist-pcl5-test
Note: The PCL-5 has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of PTSD. It has been used in a variety of settings, including clinical settings, research settings, and military settings. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have PTSD, the PCL-5 can be a helpful tool for screening for the disorder. However, it is important to remember that the PCL-5 is not a diagnostic tool. A diagnosis of PTSD can only be made by a qualified mental health professional.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ Many symptoms of PTSD are the same as those which military veterans experience. This is a great resource.
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/national-center-ptsd The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration's National Center for PTSD.
https://www.uchealth.com/stress-center/ The University of Cincinnati Stress Center is an excellent resource.
https://www.cstsonline.org/fact-sheet-menu/fact-sheet-search A list of resources from the Center For The Study of Traumatic Stress
