Driven with Purpose(DWP) for PTSD Awareness is driving events, car shows and public events that combines our passion for automobiles with the love of our family and friends that are suffering from PTSD. With that love comes the desire to help by educating those suffering, those trying to understand PTSD and help those suffering from this life-altering disorder find resources and the help they need
. One goal of DWP is to bring awareness that seeking help for PTSD is not a sign of weakness, but rather a show a strength. For 2014, We are using a 2005 Infiniti G35 as a visual promotional tool for PTSD awareness at car shows, driving events, local car events and at military-related functions. I want to personally serve as a source of information and understanding due to my personal struggles with this disorder over the last ten years. I exhibited behaviors so common with PTSD and it wasn't until I was hurting my friends, family and, ultimately, myself that I realized that I did not have control over this invasive disorder. I knew that it was seek help or lose my family. I then sought treatment and came to terms with my own reality: my weakness was only in not getting help while strength and empowerment came through information and counseling. But why do I want to raise awareness of PTSD? Well, I knew what the handouts said the symptoms were but I did not see them in myself. I needed my network of support to know and understand the signs of the disease and recognize them in me. In my quietest moments I knew there was a problem. But when I was at a point of losing it all because of my behavior, I searched, begged and tried to reach out for help but was unable to find it. Sure, it seems that getting help should be the easy part but it took me down a long path that I want to help others navigate. I want this to be easier for those who seek assistance in coping with their PTSD. I want to be able to talk to others and let them know that it is not in weakness to ask for help as I struggled to do so for many years. Instead, this demonstrates great strength and empowers that person to make a positive change in his or her life. Our experiences will never go away so finding positive coping mechanisms is essential but too few recognize their symptoms and seek help. This isn't just about flashbacks, nightmares and memories. This includes addiction, self-destructive behavior, hyper-vigilance, isolation, anxiety, depression and, in far too many cases, su***de. Twenty-two a day. Driven With Purpose for PTSD Awareness will help to support outreach programs with funds raised during our events.
