Before I disclose todays announcement of increased volcanic activity, I think it is important to gain a foundation regarding the nature of news which I believe will be coming forth.

It is my belief ECTV will be sending out what will appear to be extraordinary breaking news which involves 'earth changes'. I feel it is most important to maintain a sense of groundedness and empowerment. The possible upcoming articles will seem alarming, and there is the risk of setting off inherent defense triggers every human possess. It is the very necessary 'fight or flight' defense mechanism which is 'hard wired' for survival. However, it is this very human and compulsory reflex which can work against us. As a mental health therapist, I can tell you most of the DSM IV diagnosed "stress and anxiety disorder" patient's I work with, is directly related to "over-use" or "mis-use" of this very natural reaction to life.

It will be up to each and every one of us, to stride toward minimizing, or perhaps better stated...preparing, for events ahead which could trigger distorted 'cause and effect' reactions based on past experiences, or our current inability to handle rapid change. It is my belief we will need to practice are innate skills and powers of adaptability. It is for this reason, I have foretold of not placing the importance of "where" you live, but "who" you live with.

With events which may be unfolding in the next months and years, it will be more important than ever before to sharpen our coping skills and survivor instincts. This preparation involves the whole being. Physical (basic survival equipment), Mental (ability to handle stress, anxiety, fear, bewilderment), Spiritual (having a sense of purpose, a understanding of process, evolution, transition, and synchronicity). Synchronicity - knowing all that is happening is part of a bigger picture. A knowingness that all is in perfect order. The understanding of a natural cycle.  

Something Called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Most often there is a connection to past trauma experienced as a child, or later in life as an adult after undertaking shocking and unexpected traumatic experiences. Some common traumatic experiences include being physically attacked, being in a serious accident, being in combat, being sexually assaulted, being in a fire, or experiencing a disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake or a tornado. After traumatic experiences, people can find themselves having problems they didn't have before the event.

People who go through traumatic experiences often have symptoms and problems afterwards. How serious the symptoms and problems are depends on many things, including a person's life experiences before the trauma, a person's own natural ability to cope with stress, how serious the trauma was, and what kinds of help and support a person gets from family, friends, and professionals immediately following the trauma.

Because most trauma survivors don't know how trauma usually affects people, they often have trouble understanding what is happening to them. They may think it is their fault that the trauma happened, that they are going crazy, or that there is something wrong with them because other people who were there don't seem to have the same problems. They may turn to drugs or alcohol to make them feel better. They may turn away from friends and family who don't seem to understand. They may not know what they can do to get better.  

Who is most likely to develop PTSD?

1. Those who experience greater stressor magnitude and intensity, unpredictability, uncontrollability, assault, victimization, real or perceived responsibility, and betrayal.

2. Those with prior vulnerability factors such as genetics, early age of onset and longer-lasting childhood trauma, lack of functional social support, and concurrent stressful life events.

3. Those who report greater perceived threat or danger, suffering, upset, terror, and horror or fear.

4. Those with a social environment that produces shame, guilt, stigmatization, or self-hatred.  

What are the consequences associated with PTSD?

PTSD is associated with a number of distinctive neurobiological and physiological changes. PTSD may be associated with stable neurobiological alterations in both the central and autonomic nervous systems, such as altered brainwave activity, decreased volume of the hippocampus, and abnormal activation of the amygdala. Both the hippocampus and the amygdala are involved in the processing and integration of memory. The amygdala has also been found to be involved in coordinating the body's fear response.

Psychophysiological alterations associated with PTSD include hyper-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, increased sensitivity of the startle reflex, and sleep abnormalities.

People with PTSD tend to have abnormal levels of key hormones involved in the body's response to stress. Thyroid function also seems to be enhanced in people with PTSD. Some studies have shown that cortisol levels in those with PTSD are lower than normal and epinephrine and norepinephrine levels are higher than normal. People with PTSD also continue to produce higher than normal levels of natural opiates after the trauma has passed. An important finding is that the neurohormonal changes seen in PTSD are distinct from, and actually opposite to, those seen in major depression. The distinctive profile associated with PTSD is also seen in individuals who have both PTSD and depression.

PTSD is associated with the increased likelihood of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. In a large-scale study, 88 percent of men and 79 percent of women with PTSD met criteria for another psychiatric disorder. The co-occurring disorders most prevalent for men with PTSD were alcohol abuse or dependence (51.9 percent), major depressive episodes (47.9 percent), conduct disorders (43.3 percent), and drug abuse and dependence (34.5 percent). The disorders most frequently co-morbid with PTSD among women were major depressive disorders (48.5 percent), simple phobias (29 percent), social phobias (28.4 percent), and alcohol abuse/dependence (27.9 percent).  

Here in-lies my dilemma

There have been several studies on how the public at large would react to sudden, shocking, and possible life threatening scenarios. Examples used  1) Nuclear attack   2) Asteroid heading directly at earth    3) Disclosure of alien life   4) Natural Disasters

We were witness to this very real function of our government just hours after the 9-11 al-Quada attacks. We saw "live" on our television screens, government officials fighting over the issue of disclosing or omitting factual information to the public. We heard it was not wise to disclose information which would "panic" the public out of fear of anarchy, violence, suicides, and general civil-unrest. It was argued, the better way to "minimize" panic was through informing the public of very real and ongoing events, thereby giving the public a chance to understand, prepare and adjust to whatever threats announced.

My studies have directed me to the latter. I believe it is far better to assist in minimizing shock and surprise through education, information and preparation. The theory of 'omission' to better serve the public is simply out-dated, assuming it was ever useful at all. I believe we have evolved significantly in our abilities to acquire and process news as it occurs, regardless of its imminent dangers.

Therefore, I have decided to disclose information to you as I receive it. I trust that you can, and will, use your gift of "discernment". Yes, it is true that many could be prone to suffer negative reactions such as PTSD consequences, but at this time, I believe it is better to be "aware and prepared". In fact, there are studies which state clearly, it is the action of being "aware and prepared" which will minimize the effects of shock, denial and bewilderment.

I am open to your feedback. If you disagree with my sentiments or theory of disclosure, feel free to reply with your suggestions.