Pretty Things Survivors Do Blog Hop + Giveaway!

**Scroll to the bottom for the Winners**

Welcome to our Pretty Things Survivors Do inaugural blog hop! We are glad you’re here.

PTSD is a “psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.” (American Psychiatric Association definition)

Although mostly associated with war veterans, it affects 3.5% of the population and 4% of US children ages 13-18 will experience PTSD in their lifetime. About 8 million adults have PTSD during a given year. (Brain and Behavior Research Foundation)

The holidays are a difficult time for those living with PTSD. We are participating in the blog hop in the hopes that you may be reminded to reach out to loved ones, neighbors, and friends who could be living with PTSD daily. If one person is remembered this holiday season, then we have achieved our goal of spreading awareness. Below you will find different ways you can help those with PTSD.

You should have arrived here from the awesome Tracy Freeman's blog.  If not, you'll want to start at the beginning which is Sandy Allnock's.

Sandy Allnock

Josefine Fouarge

Rubeena Ianigro

Leigh Houston

Mamie Carson Wadsworth

Tania Talat Ahmed

Ana Reese

Tracy Freeman

Amy Tsuruta 💚

Tracie Pond

Sharna Waksmulski

Alix Davis

Janette Kausen

Mayra Duran-Hernandez

Kimberly Wiener

Seeka

Joanne Maree Soukup

Crissy Salima Smith

The wonderful Joanne Maree Soukup is donating one I Care Stamp set for us to each giveaway!

I'm doing a separate giveaway!  How about a $15 Gift Card to Butterfly Reflections Ink?

Just leave a comment to be eligible to win!  Commenting will be open until Friday, December 14th at 11:55 pm pacific.  Are you a no-reply blogger?  Make sure you leave your email so that I can reach out to you if you're one of my winners!

So, I have to tell you, I fretted about my project for today.  I was invited to be a part of this special blog hop.   Although I haven't personally experienced PTSD, I have friends that do struggle with it.  I wanted to make a project that is appropriate for the season but not necessarily shout Christmas:

I ended up combining The Ton's Brushed Hugs + Blizzard Hugs.  I teamed them up with American Crafts Cozy & Bright paper.

I'm sensitive to the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas.

This is perfect for the winter season and to let someone know that I'm thinking of them.

Thank you for joining us!  If you know someone who lives with PTSD and would like ways to support them, please visit the following sites and remember to reach out to a neighbor, friend or family member during this holiday season, you could make a difference in their day.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health

PTSD:  National Center for PTSD - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Next up is the spectacular Tracie Pond!

(edited to add)

I used random.org to draw for the two prizes, first up is the awesome stamp set, I Care Stamp set donated by the fabulous Joanne Maree Soukup.

Congrats Jean!  I'll reach out to you!

Next is the $15 Gift Certificate to Butterfly Reflections Ink!

Yay Mary!  I'll send over your Gift Certificate!

Thanks to everyone that stopped by.