We Must Share Our Stories and Be Vulnerable
Mayoral candidate Jason Kander opened up today about his PTSD
“Vulnerability is at the core, the center, of meaningful human experiences” — Brene Brown
There was great news today for PTSD awareness.
Jason Kander announced he was dropping out of Kansas City’s mayoral race because of war-related PTSD and depression.
He posted on Twitter: I suffer from depression and have PTSD symptoms. After 11 years, I’m finally ready to do something about it. Many supporters lauded Kander, saying he was showing true leadership in admitting to suffering mental illness.
Reaction on social media was quick and sympathetic, including a message from former Vice President Joe Biden.
“Jason — public service takes many forms, and bravely stepping forward today is exactly that. By sharing your story, you are saving lives. Others will get the help they need because of you…”
In 2006 Jason began a four-month tour in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army intelligence officer. He said this about his revelation to come out about PTSD today:
“…so if me going public with my struggle makes just one person seek assistance, doing this publicly is worth it to me.”
He included the number for the Veterans Administration crisis line, 800–272–8255. Within an hour, more than 1,000 comments of support flooded his Twitter page.
When we are writing memoirs or hard painful stories it is always nice to hear comments like: ‘We must share our stories’.
For the past few days I have been in a creative lull. I’ve had some health issues. This one line ‘We must share our stores’ had me thinking today:
I MUST tell my story?
Why?
For what purpose?
Does it really matter if I do this?
And to whom does it matter? Just me?
Is it worth all the pain and suffering and labor I am putting myself through to tell my story?
Especially on days like this it was nice to see Jason Candor opening up and also Joe Biden's appreciative response.
That helped me stay clear on my reason for writing.
This one line from Joe Biden: “By sharing your story, you are saving lives. Others will get the help they need because of you” might help many of us stay on track if we find ourselves doubting why we are writing.
I have been plugging away on my survival memoir, even though some days my mind and fingers get distracted. Especially with recent news.
The news can distract me. Yes. The Kavanaugh stuff affected me and stalled my progress.
My own anxiety can distract me.
My family can distract me.
My age and health issues can distract me.
Finances — and lack of security can distract me.
But, I keep plugging along. Slowly.
I think those of us who might need a jolt — a shot in the arm can be helped by these types of brave people who become vulnerable and remind us of the importance of sharing that vulnerability through our stories.
Vulnerability is KEY to writing, especially memoir and hard stories. We can inspire people through our vulnerability.
I really do believe we must share our stories and we must be vulnerable. I am committing to both of these things today.
THANKS FOR READING. www.michellemonet.com
Michelle Monet has published 5 non-fiction books including 4 Poetic Memoirs. Her upcoming Memoir will be about her life in show business including her surviving domestic violence, panic disorder and a dependency on prescribed medication. It will be a story of redemption and healing. Coming Soon!
CONTACT INFORMATION- [email protected] www.michellemonet.com