Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Major (Retired) Ken Landgren who graciously offered for me to read a paper he put together on his experience with PTSD and healing. I read through the paper twice, often fighting tears, and was so moved, I excitedly jumped on his offer to make this paper available for download on our website. Ken's hopes are that it reaches as many military personnel, veterans and their families as possible in an effort to provide some hope and healing. I hope you'll read this paper with as much enthusiasm as I and assist Wellness Wishes in offering support comfort and love to all those suffering from PTSD.
Hello I am MAJ (R) Ken Landgren. I was medically retired with PTSD in 2014. Needless to say it has been a rough 6 years, the first two years were the hardest for me. I don't lament having PTSD now. I see it as an opportunity to help others through my experiences. There have been times when I looked at a veteran in the eyes and said I know how you feel. Empathy and compassion is imperative in this world, and I think I have that. I wrote a PTSD paper using my personal experience as a guide. I want to help folks by the strategy of painting the picture. When a commander commits to a battle, it is paramount to "Paint the Picture". The objective is to give you a better understanding in regards to PTSD. The second objective is providing realistic coping skills. This is like how you approach the battlefield. I am by no means a medical professional. I am just a person who has PTSD. I can't guarantee I can help you. However, I would like to point out that many people attained a better understanding of PTSD after reading the paper. I am indulging in this endeavor because I want to help. I want to turn lives around. I want to help give your life back to you. I want to take a leadership role because that is what the military has taught me. I want you to accomplish the mission. The vision may be mine, but it is you who I want to cross the finish line. I want to help you win! Please ask me questions should you have them. I can't promise I know all the answers, but I will do my best to accommodate you. Please don't be afraid to ask questions. I understand lives can be turned upside down, and perspectives on life can be challenging and different. I will be the first to admit it has hurt so much I had tears in my eyes. I have lost so much in the process. If you think you are at risk of hurting yourself, please get help. Ask for help. Find reasons to live, so you can keep fighting. Give the paper a chance. Give me a chance. The only thing I want is for you and your family to win!
DOWNLOAD "LOVE SQUARED: A JOURNEY OF HEALING" on our "Veterans Page"
FB Wrote:
Ken,
I printed off your paper yesterday and read through it last evening. I was impressed with your thoroughness. I'm in such a dark and lonely place right now that it will take me some time to grasp all of your principles. I truly appreciate all that you are attempting to do for me. The manager at the suicide call prevention center wants to know if you can write a civilian version. Stay strong yourself.
Sarge
BH Wrote: Hi Ken,
This is Barbara again, Brenda’s neighbor at Twin Oaks Assisted Living. My husband Bruce and I really enjoyed that creole you made, and that Brenda passed on to us—rice cooked just right, super tender meat, just spicy enough. Thank you.
I had promised myself that I would read “Love Squared” a second time, more slowly, and I have done that this weekend.
First of all, let me commend you for your strong desire to help other sufferers from PTSD, which motivated you to write this. I think caring about other people, and not just about yourself, shows how greatly you have healed. Helping others is, I am convinced, not just a sign of healing, but …
JW a Veteran Wrote:
I'll update you with notes as I go along. Like I said, your attitude about the subject is awesome. Many of the ideas and principles you recommend and share are fail-proff. I, for one, believe wholeheartedly in teamwork.
I'm reading your paper. First, your passion is apparent. This is excellent and must be contagious to all those around you. Which brings me to my point, your ideas seem pretty well in line with Eastern ideas and philosophies.
I liked the analogies you used about infantry survival skills and PTSD survival, your shooting range example focusing on the closest targets since they hold the greatest risk and how to mourn those that did not survive our battles with ceremonies and letters. Glad to share and with the VA in town you might reach out to them too and suggest a support group using your techniques. I like the fact you used army tactics and jargon for your path towards recovery.
So much that is already written about treating PTSD is clinical and the beauty of your paper is that veterans should resonate with the techniques you suggest will make them feel better.
These techniques used to make them better warriors…
Doctor LW Wrote:
Also, you might consider starting a support group at the local VFW, American Legion or church/parish. Finally, as I mentioned the subdivision has many veterans and the HOA is on Facebook. Look up Fairway Estates HOA on Facebook and ask to join to offer your self help.