PTSD Therapy?

[irtmks]

Hello,

 

I am sure many of you all have started this modeling journey for many varied reasons. Mine might be a little different.   

 

When I was a young fellow, many years ago, I was in the Coast Guard working Drug Enforcement, Search & Rescue & Recovery in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. I ended up my time with missing body parts and what the VA calls Extreme PTSD.  Later in life I worked  internationally as an engineer,  I am sure that I chose this specific occupation for the solitary lifestyle it afforded. I worked and lived  in over 43 countries,  I initially retired very early (50) after extended experiences in China relating to many, many prisoner executions (While building factories) all occurring  over a few year period. Now retired, I actively search ways to,..... well lets just say adjust and survive!

 

A year or so ago, my wife (who plays Mandolin) thrust a guitar in my hands, and told me to "learn how to play it."  I had always been keen on instrument repairs, but had never actually played. I soon found that the complexity, beauty, and peacefulness of this instrument allowed a kind of therapy that I had not known before. Flashbacks, Daymares, did not occur while engaged.  We now play everyday. I have started teaching Guitar at ASU,  a program for Veterans with Brain Trauma.  

 

You see, because of work choices, events, lifestyle, etc. I have never really been "part" of much.  Other than my wife, I have worked alone, lived alone, without much in the way of social activities (including Internet Forums, HaHa).  

 

I have a background in Guitar and instrument building and repair, I have always enjoyed the micro-world of precession woodworking. I lived onboard our Hunter Sailboat for nearly two years.  We have both found the peace of "The Water's solitude."  

 

So not sure how it popped up, but, somehow this Forum happened upon my screen?  I did not search it, did not request it, did not click on an add for it????  Am not sure, but I think I was searching for miniature slot files for making Guitar nuts, maybe??

 

Anyway, before I could control myself, I had signed up, and had ordered a Lowell Dory model.  So here I am, Just in the hours of reading and planning, I have found possibly a new "Tool" in my PTSD toolbox.  My mind has been consumed with modeling and thus the "bad" stuff keeps away.

 

Thank you ALL for what you do here, and know that what you do maybe a bit "more" for some of us, than just a hobby!

 

Thanks

[JacquesCousteau]

Welcome! Modeling can definitely be a very meditative experience. Doing a build log for the dory would definitely help with getting through the inevitable complications of any build, this is a very supportive community.

[Keith Black]

A hearty welcome to MSW. Hopefully MSW and ship modeling allows you to stay a step ahead of those unwanted memories. Glad to have you aboard.   

Edited September 8, 2024 by Keith Black

[CPDDET]

Welcome to the Zen of model shipbuilding 

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!  
 

And I wholeheartedly second what @CPDDET said about welcome to the Zen of model ship building!

[Knocklouder]

This is definitely the best place to be, everything is right here. As far as Zen go's  I don't know, I still hear voices telling me to buy another model. 

Good luck on your journey.!!

Bob M.  

[Jim Lad]

Hello, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.  Model making can certainly be a peaceful and absorbing activity!

 

John

 

[mtaylor]

[druxey]

I can personally attest to the therapeutic effect of both model-making and music. And yes, it's also meditative and zen-like when one is 'in the zone'. Welcome aboard.

[knightyo]

Welcome!  You hit the jackpot in finding this forum.  One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to brew up my beverage of choice and casually view others' build logs.  Eventually, you'll notice that you are developing a preferred niche to view, and will probably then start a model in that niche.  It's nice to have others' build logs to refer to when you are building your own model as you can see how others have worked their way through challenging sections.  I may be in the minority, but I get more satisfaction in viewing other people's posts about their work than I do in actually doing my own work.

 

Now that covers mornings.  For evenings, it's nice to fall asleep after reading historical fiction in this genre and there is almost a cult-like following of the books authored by Patrick O'Brien; the Master and Commander series of books.  There are 21 books in the series and many people find them to be very soothing to read;  I've been reading the series annually for years and years now.  We've all heard of comfort food; these become comfort books for a lot of people.  

 

Alan

 

 

[Loracs]

I had a similar experience but with other issues, long story short... Building model ship is an excellent way to occupy mind and body.  The fascination in the background history, admiration of the initial builders and their beautiful - yet practical- designs, the development of technical skills that keep growing, problem solving and bashing outlet for the perfectionist, and mostly the beauty and satisfaction of the final model.  I'm happy having discovered this world...

Edited September 8, 2024 by Loracs

[Baker]

[Wawona59]

Welcome to MSW irtmks,

 

I use modeling as therapy myself.  Working on a wooden ship model, or any other model for that matter, with Lute or Cello music in the background has helped me to relax.

 

You chose a good boat kit to start with.  There are several build logs on the MSW forum.  You find the kit build logs on the main page of MSW.

 

Model Shipways also offers a shipwright combo featuring the Lowell Dory and two additional progressively challenging projects.

 

Model Shipways Shipwright Series (modelexpo-online.com)

 

Welcome Aboard to the MSW forum.  Lots of friendly folks here worldwide.

[irtmks]

Thank you all for the warm reception and suggestions. They are all meaningful and will be useful. Again, thank you

[CDW]

In general, I find any form of scale modeling to be therapeutic as long as I don't get too carried away with it. Given the opportunity, it can become obsessive, and in my humble opinion, life should be as "rounded" as possible.

Edited September 8, 2024 by CDW

[SiriusVoyager]

Welcome to MSW!  I hope the hobby and the forums can provide some therapy for you!

[Captain Cambo]

On 9/7/2024 at 11:39 PM, irtmks said:

Hello,

 

I am sure many of you all have started this modeling journey for many varied reasons. Mine might be a little different.   

 

When I was a young fellow, many years ago, I was in the Coast Guard working Drug Enforcement, Search & Rescue & Recovery in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. I ended up my time with missing body parts and what the VA calls Extreme PTSD.  Later in life I worked  internationally as an engineer,  I am sure that I chose this specific occupation for the solitary lifestyle it afforded. I worked and lived  in over 43 countries,  I initially retired very early (50) after extended experiences in China relating to many, many prisoner executions (While building factories) all occurring  over a few year period. Now retired, I actively search ways to,..... well lets just say adjust and survive!

 

A year or so ago, my wife (who plays Mandolin) thrust a guitar in my hands, and told me to "learn how to play it."  I had always been keen on instrument repairs, but had never actually played. I soon found that the complexity, beauty, and peacefulness of this instrument allowed a kind of therapy that I had not known before. Flashbacks, Daymares, did not occur while engaged.  We now play everyday. I have started teaching Guitar at ASU,  a program for Veterans with Brain Trauma.  

 

You see, because of work choices, events, lifestyle, etc. I have never really been "part" of much.  Other than my wife, I have worked alone, lived alone, without much in the way of social activities (including Internet Forums, HaHa).  

 

I have a background in Guitar and instrument building and repair, I have always enjoyed the micro-world of precession woodworking. I lived onboard our Hunter Sailboat for nearly two years.  We have both found the peace of "The Water's solitude."  

 

So not sure how it popped up, but, somehow this Forum happened upon my screen?  I did not search it, did not request it, did not click on an add for it????  Am not sure, but I think I was searching for miniature slot files for making Guitar nuts, maybe??

 

Anyway, before I could control myself, I had signed up, and had ordered a Lowell Dory model.  So here I am, Just in the hours of reading and planning, I have found possibly a new "Tool" in my PTSD toolbox.  My mind has been consumed with modeling and thus the "bad" stuff keeps away.

 

Thank you ALL for what you do here, and know that what you do maybe a bit "more" for some of us, than just a hobby!

 

Thanks

Here in the UK we have an organisation called Models for Heroes. OK this is more aimed at plastic models but is aimed at ex forces men and women who have PTSD.

They rely on donations from model builders (we all have kits in our stashes that we know we will never build) I went down to a  local donation model shop with about 6 kits one day.

Do you have anything like that in the States?

Cheers, Mark

[irtmks]

Thanks for the thoughts.  The local VA hospital has group sessions for crafts,  models,  etc.   Because it is a group setting,  the idea is to talk as you build.   I am sure good for some,  and maybe someday me,  but I have not done well in groups.  Except the guitars for vets program that i now help teach.  I think the difference is that we don't talk while we play.  We just focus on playing and that works well with me so far.... maybe someday?  Again thank you

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  We all 'pick our passions', and I had a number of different ones over the years depending on finances, fitness and circumstance.  Ship modeling at my stage in life is a good outlet for my OCD tendencies, which is typical for good Pharmacy workers - I work per-diem as a Technician (formerly a manufacturing engineer for aircraft parts ... another exacting career).  The idea is to continue learning and doing any way one can to extend the years of a relatively healthy mind and body.