Thread: In "The Perfect Storm" and trying to write about it....

Hi, BoomerBud here…. (I feel this might be a little long according to the “house rules”; but I’m not sure how else to explain it.

I am a disable veteran with some severe mental challenges, and a few physical challenges…I say “challenges” and not problems; problems have no solutions where I feel Challenges do…just my opinion.

Anyhow, I am in the middle of writing a book for disabled veterans, like myself; from a disabled veteran’s point of view. Going through what they are going through as well.

I don’t have any PhD’s or expertise; other than getting a PhD in the school of hard knocks dealing with the various challenges I’m faced with.
So, to the point…
Like the title “in the storm and trying to write about the storm”. I am finding it quite a challenge in some areas of my book; like imposing thoughts, flashbacks, suicide, etc.
So, as I am writing my book I can be caught in one or more of the aforementioned areas.
Sometimes I feel like I am giving a blow by blow description of what I am going through; and most of the time a victorious ending, and how I came through whatever it was.

All are only my own observations; and things I shared I highly recommend they take before their own VA doctors and psychologists.

2 questions:
1-Am I going about this book the right way?

2-Sometimes when I am writing about vets challenges; I can feel myself being pulled into the challenge…”a slippery sloop – catch-22 thing”. Should I push on through with another “blow by blow”; or just come back to that particular chapter later.

I imagine you don’t have PhD’s either, so I don’t expect clinical answers; I just need a “seat of the pants” opinions and/or directions on this.

Any thoughts would be appreciated; and feel free to ask any questions.

Acknowledging that I am not a psych professional in any way, shape or form, I'll try to respond. I think if you are writing and get too "pulled into the challenge" where it is affecting you too much, then coming back later with some distance on the topic makes sense. If you find that the writing is too intense, i.e. causing flashbacks, then take a break and come at it with a fresh eye later. Sometimes, let me repeat: sometimes, it can help to write through that type of thing, giving the blow by blow as it happens to help you work through it. But I think when you are finding yourself in emotional pain, it may be time to take a break. That's my two cents.

Pamela thanks for your insight... I'm too bull headed to back off...but, "emotional pain"...I well give that some thought.
Thanks again.......