My Plan to Continue Beating My PTSD in 2023

It took 30-years for my PTSD to be diagnosed.  I was completely surprised but that diagnosis explained so much about my behavior and why participation in sports have been so important to me.

PTSD Defense Tools

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.  PTSD is most often associated with events experienced during wartime but any number of traumatic events can trigger PTSD.

Mastering PTSD involves dealing with mood and anxiety issues over a long period of time.

PTSD symptoms generally don’t show up right away.  For example, a Veteran who witnessed horrific events in wartime is unlikely to wake up the next day and display symptoms of PTSD or have a sudden fear of going out on the battlefield.  It may be weeks or months later after he or she believes they have healed and is over what happened to them.

The sudden onset of the symptoms associated with PTSD may leave them feeling shocked and confused.  If the symptoms are gradual they may be missed altogether until worsen and begin to affect the person’s life.

Veterans Administration (VA) research clearly shows that exercise activity can lessen the tensions that can lead to depression and, potentially, suicidal thoughts.  While I never experienced suicidal thoughts, some of PTSD’s more subtle symptoms definitely have influenced my life since my military service.

Running and cycling have been constant friends since my days in the Pentagon, following my field service.  I didn’t know why they were so important but I did subconsciously understand doing either one of them on a daily basis eased my tensions and made interpersonal interactions much easier.  After my official PTSD diagnosis, daily exercise became essential.

Here’s what I learned about MY PTSD  . . .

  • Physical exercise dramatically reduces my tension and anxiety
  • Being outside is emotionally uplifting regardless of the weather conditions
  • Interaction with other people in a neutral (safe) environment is a blessing – think group cycling rides
  • It’s critical to know the PTSD symptoms and where to find support

My 2023 PTSD Battle Plan

I’m a retired Army guy so I think in terms of beating the enemy.  In this case, the enemy is PTSD.

Cycling

I love bicycling and walking.  Since 2003, I have ridden 38,285.31 miles – an average of just over 1,800 miles a year – and those have been wonderful hours and miles outside.  The result? A much calmer, fit, and healthy me.

Cycling Tools

Strava.com and Zwift.com are homes to great cycling communities.  I’ve been tracking my mileage on Strava for over six years and I have a group of cyclists all over the world that I follow.  You can connect with me on Strava by searching for Robert Hess.  My Zwift indoor cycling app lets me ride in real-time with cyclists from all over the world.

VetsRidingForVets.com

Cycling has such great potential for mitigating PTSD symptoms we have created a website to connect veterans.  The Vets Riding for Vets mission is raising awareness of PTSD and its potential for damaging lives and providing an international home for military veteran cyclists around the world – Veterans helping Veterans.  Visit us at VetsRidingForVets.

Riding takes my mind away from cancer and work-related stress and lets me enjoy the scenery and the world around me.  My 2022 goal is 1,900 miles and 320 active* days.

Yoga

My exercise element number two is yoga.  Until COVID-19, my yoga program was one 90-minute class every Saturday morning followed by breakfast with my wife.  It was a great routine.  COVID-19 threw me for a temporary loop until I connected with an Internet program.  Now that in-person sessions are possible, I’m back doing Saturday morning yoga after a 30-minute pickle ball session.

Weight Training

Finally, my weights routine.  I’m back hitting the gym twice a week but I’m still jumping rope daily.  My February goal? learn one shuffle dance step!

My 2023 PTSD Mental Plan

Our mental state is just as important as exercise.  COVID-19 is still with us and has dramatically increased stress levels individually and in our society.  The final element of my 2023 PTSD Battle Plan is getting better control of my mental stress.  I’ll be integrating more meditation into my schedule.  I use the iPhone Muse app and headband but there are much less expensive options, such as Calm, available.  Check those options at the following link:

COVID-19 Changes to My PTSD Battle Plan I’ll Continue in 2023

I am fully vaccinated and have had my first booster shot – Moderna.  Despite being vaccinated, Christmas brought a case of Omicron which, thankfully, proved very mild.  With new COVID-19 variants, I plan to be very careful with travel and activities in closed spaces.

My 2023 Covid-19 PTSD Control Plan:

  • Cycling: Zwift.com virtual cycling.  Now that COVID-19 is more under control, I’m back riding outside and it’s wonderful!  But I still ride indoors for short 30-minute sessions using my trainer and Zwift setup.  Riding inside is much different than outdoors but the Zwift community is a great help.  Unless I’m really trying to kill it for HITT exercise, I simply cruise along and catch up on TED talks on my iPad: Ted.com or catch up on the cycling world with the great presenters at Global Cycling Network.  
  • Yoga: At least twice weekly yoga with Internet classes from Yoga Studio.
  • Meditation: A daily 10-minute morning meditation to ease the stress from watching the news.
  • Weight training: Three cross-fit sessions each week on the patio.

What’s Your 2023 PTSD Battle Plan?

If you’re a PTSD survivor like me, concern about depression is likely always in the back of your mind.  There’s no guarantee that my PTSD battle plan will be 100% effective but it gives me a sense of control, along with knowing that I’m putting my body and mind in the best possible shape.

I would love to hear about your PTSD battle plan and we’ll post it here on the website if you choose to share it.

Join Me In 2023

Zwift Virtual Cycling

If you’re a “Zwifter,” connect with me on Zwift @ Robert Hess.

Strava.com

Find me on Strava @ Robert Hess.  Join our Vets Riding For Vets group at VetsRidingForVets.

Best wishes for 2023.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes to plan your own 2023 PTSD battle plan and then share the results to help others.

Warm regards,

Robert

Robert Hess
US Army (R)
PTSD Survivor

DVEN CEO Robert Warren Hess