Mental Health - Widower Experience (WX)

A trauma is a deep emotional wound and injury caused by an event that is accompanied by loss of control or threat to life. Potential causes include accidents, mental, physical or sexual abuse, bereavement, or severe illness. Almost every person will face such traumatic experiences within their life. Laurell Kaye Hamilton, an American fantasy and romance writer once said: " There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. " Trauma does not necessarily lead to psychological damage or consequences. Often, traumatized individuals can overcome their experiences. But depending on the personality, the individual's ability to cope with problems, and the stress limit, trauma can also provoke serious mental disorders like persistent fears, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a threatening situation, our body reacts with the emergency plan "fight, flight, or freeze". Along with the usual stress re...

Der Tag der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung findet jährlich am 27. Juni statt. Dieser Tag wurde im Jahr 2010 vom US-amerikanischen Senat ins Leben gerufen, um das Bewusstsein für die Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS) zu schärfen. Der Anlass für diesen Tag war das Gedenken an Joe Biel, der sich nach seinem zweiten Einsatz im Irakkrieg aufgrund einer PTBS im Jahr 2007 das Leben nahm. Sein Geburtstag, der 27. Juni, wurde gewählt, um sein Andenken in Ehren zu halten. Am 27. Juni ist der PTSD Awareness Day 2025, ein Tag, der ins Leben gerufen wurde, um über die Symptome der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) aufzuklären und die damit verbundenen Stigmatisierungen zu bekämpfen. Als jemand, der sich seit Jahrzehnten für mentale Gesundheit engagiert und seine ersten Ausbildungen in diesem Bereich bereits vor 40 Jahren während seiner Zeit in der Army und bei der Bundeswehr erhalten hat, ist mir dieses Thema besonders wichtig. Posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen treten nach ...

Memories can be complex and elusive. They are greatly influenced by our emotions and are stored in pieces and fragments. This delicate nature of our memories is always apparent as our brain and memory make clear divisions when our perceptions or feelings about a situation change. This process and the brain's role in it may aid in future trauma treatment. Every day, we undergo numerous experiences, but only a few stick in our memories. Our brain selectively holds onto specific events because our capacity to remember is limited. Memories that stick often involve significant and emotional events, like a first time experience, birth, marriage, or even death. These events linger in our memory, vivid and alive, years later, while the mundane and the everyday, like a road trip to the grocery store or our most recent dinner, are quickly forgotten. Our brain assigns significance to these memories linked with strong emotions because once upon a time, it was a survival mechanism. Recalling ...

In anticipation of the upcoming Sunday, May 4th, I'm sharing my thoughts on International Firefighters' Day – May 4th. As is often the case, the English version has been completed before the German one, so here's the English version for you in advance. For many, May 4th is synonymous with Star Wars as fans around the world celebrate with the famous phrase, "May the Fourth be with you." But this day holds another, often less recognized, significance: It is International Firefighters' Day. While the holiday may be lesser known, it carries immense weight, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others through bravery and sacrifice.  The origins of this day are deeply rooted in history. In many parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, it was historically associated with St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. St. Florian, who died a martyr's death in 304 AD, represents the courage, selflessness, and duty to others that...

There are many forces that divide us in the world: politics, religion, beliefs to name just a few. What unites us is the desire to live with dignity. But not all political systems and religious beliefs give or allow everyone the identical, same or similar opportunities - so many people on our planet fight to ensure that they and their loved ones can have a dignified life and, ultimately, self-determined living until a dignified end. Dignity is one of the most important things to the human spirit. At least that is my firm believe, even if some religious and political views see it differently. Everyone has the right to lead a dignified life and to realize and try to unfold their potential and to find their personal joy of life and happiness. Young, old, rich, poor - anywhere in the world we all have the right to be treated with dignity. We treat others with dignity whenever we help other, stand up for a friend or recognize the qualities and talents that make each of us special. When thin...

On my blog, I often write about the small and big things that affect our emotional balance. About moments that throw us off course  -  and those that lift us up, shape us, and stay with us. Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience with you. A story that begins with a song from 1985  -  and still resonates with me to this day. It shows how profoundly certain moments can impact us when we allow ourselves to feel them fully. And why mental well-being doesn’t just start with therapy or tools, but with a conscious attitude toward life itself. ( This time, I have to ask my German readers for forgiveness, as I need to write this article in English   -   sorry about that. ) Not long ago, I wrote about  The Breakfast Club  -  a film that had a big impact on me 40 years ago. A story about growing up, being different, being human. Today, I want to talk about a song from that same year:  “19” by Paul Hardcastle . The Impact of P...

Life often gets tough, but just remember:  You can handle anything. Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for a good life. Suicidality is a taboo all over the world and thoughts of suicide are often seen as a taboo. This taboo can prevent people in challenging times and suicidal crises from confiding in others - perhaps out of shame or feelings of guilt about their own thoughts or out of fear of not being understood or of overwhelming those around them. I think being in an extreme situation, seeing oneself in an unanswerable or unresolvable condition and times … and thoughts of suicide are not something to be ashamed of. Ignoring or hiding thoughts of suicide usually only helps for a short time because the underlying problem is not solved. If someone has no one in their environment with whom they can talk about their thoughts, there are people they can confide in, e.g. family, doctors, psychotherapists and telephone counseling serv...