I have PTSD, as a result of the same incident that crippled me physically. The how and the why of it aren't all that important, what is important (to me anyways) is that I used firearms and the range to heal.
I bought a Traditions flintlock a few years back as an easy intro to the hobby, they don't require a license or anything here so you can just walk in and buy one. And I found that the simple act of going to the range and spending time with my wife shooting put me in a good mood. Rather then sit in my house and play on the Xbox, I got out and actually talked to people, a flintlock is a great conversation starter.
We progressed to getting our licenses and once my doc signed off on mine (if you spent a couple years as an alky and a morphine junkie, the government wants a professional opinion) we picked up what interested us and got out.
It introduced me to people I would otherwise never have talked to. It gets me outside and even if I go and fire one round, it puts me in a great mood. Or potting clays with a little .410, big shite eating grin.
Now my doctor, my meds and I all deserve credit but I reserve the lions share of kudos to a couple hundred yards of grass and a four hundred year old design.
*Oh and the date is out of whack in that picture. I forgot to set it.
I don't have PTSD, significant injuries, or the same licensing restrictions (thanks to more relaxed US laws on the subject). I do have several children, a job, and (currently) a real estate deal underway, and I find shooting therapeutic as well. I appreciate your mention of the importance of others at the range and your interaction with them; there's more to shooting than just blowin' stuff up.
ReplyDeleteI was in the British Army for 16 years. I have PTSD and I find that going shooting is good therapy, the Police have turned down my application for a licence to have a firearm.
ReplyDelete@Anon Brit: That sucks man, do all types of firearm in the UK require a license? I know your laws are rather more restrictive then ours.
ReplyDelete@Anon American: Thanks for the feedback. Indeed there's more to it then rounds down range, that's something a lot of my country men don't seem to understand. It can be just as social as any other hobby. If you choose to.
I also find shooting therapeutic, because I have a concentration disorder. Shooting allows me to focus on one thing, it is psychologically soothing.
ReplyDelete@Anon Brit: You could take up airgunning, it doesn't require a liscense and in my opinion it's about as much fun you can get without having a liscense. Also, shooting a gun in your back yard (if you have one) is also a pleasurable thing to do. I shoot with my friends a lot and sometimes they come over, solely for shooting cans.
Over here in the Netherlands, we don't have restrictions to airguns, though firearms are only obtainable with a liscense and trough some strict rules. Still means I can own a 500 Fpe airgun in .50 caliber without a liscense. :D
Very frustrating when everyone says you should get help for what you have problems with but then they throw it in your face on firearms applications. Similar problem if you get help for depression.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I run into every time I try and apply for life insurance.
ReplyDelete"Oh you were an alcoholic? We can't cover you for another few years. Reapply then."
"Oh you have PTSD? Reapply in a few years when you've been stable longer."
"Oh your still on anti-depressants? Reapply in a few years."
Eventually I just stopped trying.