Page 984 - Total War on PTSD

as insurmountable disabilities. That was my biggest fear. Now, with a Service Dog at my side, I’d essentially be walking around with a billboard announcing my disabilities to the world. I had to face my own fears head-on and, in doing so, stop lying to myself.
I began training with Olivia, Katie and Charlie a couple months later. They taught me consistent training coupled with positive reinforcement. At some point, I had an epiphany; I’d been reinforcing my own bad behavior for a decade! For instance, I found loud public places uncomfortable so I avoided them. This avoidance was brought on by the fact that I couldn’t hear due to excessive hearing loss and what I could perceive was disorienting, indiscernible ambient noise, which would in turn trigger acute anxiety. That, coupled with the crush of people, I’d flee. The moment I fled the situation, I felt relief. That relief, I believe, was positively reinforcing my behavior of “flight.” Therefore, I surmised that my habits of concealment and isolation were all trained behaviors I taught myself.
At some point, Charlie began to train me. Together we’d take outings to the nearby stores where we’d weave in and out of isles, passing people and encountering some of my “triggers.” He’d walk calmly at my side and offer reassuring glances, which put me at ease. Instead of making a b-line for the door, I pushed through my discomfort. His looks of affirmation were the positive reinforcement I needed to stick it out. The self-assurance he exuded empowered me too. Like a swift undertow, Charlie pulled me to the deep end. This time I wasn’t scared. I knew we’d navigate the rough waters together.
Immediately after we completed certifications, Charlie and I embarked on our new life together. We’ve traveled coast-to-coast and everywhere in between. He’s assisted me on all my Veterans
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